Shown in photo is Lola Remigia Joaquino, one of the beneficiaries of the Katas ng Vat: Tulong Para kay Lolo at Lola project. As shown, she was smiling as she patiently queued up, waiting for her turn to get the cash subsidy from the government's Katas ng VAT: Tulong Para kay Lolo at Lola project. (Leah T. Quintana, DSWD-13/ PIA-Caraga)Caraga senior citizens receive cash grant from Katas ng VAT
BUTUAN CITY – Some 1,065 senior citizens from four (4) municipalities in Agusan del Norte - Las Nieves, Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR), Buenavista and Nasipit received the cash grant from the government’s Katas ng Vat program.
DSWD Caraga Regional Director Mercedita P. Jabagat said the money released to these municipalities amounted to P 532, 500.00. The regional social welfare office has started giving the cash grant on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 and will end until the first release of P 2.5 Million is utilized.
Today, distribution is carried out in Cabadbaran City and Tubay, Jabonga and Kitcharao towns.
Katas ng VAT: Tulong Para Kay Lolo at Lola is a one-time P 500 subsidy to senior citizens funded from the oil Value Added Tax (VAT) collection. (Leah T. Quintana, DSWD-13/ PIA-Caraga)
POLICE REPORTS
By: PO3 Philip Amer Posas Mazo
Report of Shooting incident
On Thursday (November 20) at 5:00 in the morning at Sitio Gusin, Barangay Bayabas, Cabadbaran City, investigation conducted by Cabadbaran City Police Station revealed that the victim identified as Junrel Buyo Mondejar alias "Poloy", 22 years old, single and a resident of Purok-8 Barangay Bayabas, Cabadbaran City was supervising in the extraction of copper at the said place when more or less 60 Communist Terrorists (CTs) appeared in the area and looked for the victim.
Mondejar was then brought to the forested area and was subsequently shot several times which caused his instantaneous death. Victim was brought to Cabadbaran Emergency Hospital for post mortem examination. Further investigation is now being conducted to determine the motive of the incident.
Arrest of wanted person (Rape Case)
On Saturday (November 1) at Barangay Ata-atahon, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, Pedro Deloso, 51 years old, married and a resident of Barangay Ata-atahon, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte was arrested by the PNP elements of Nasipit Municipal Police Station led by PSI Robertitu Delopere by virtue of warrant of arrest (WOA) docketed under Criminal Case number 13155-13159 for the crime of Rape with No Bail bond recommended, issued by Hon Judge Eduardo S Casals, Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 1, 10th Judicial Region, Hall of Justice, Libertad, Butuan City dated Nov 11, 2008. Subject person is now detained at Nasipit Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
Arrest of wanted person (Theft case)
On Thursday (November 20) at 3:00 in the afternoon at Barangay Maibu, Butuan City, Pedro Bughaw alias "Junior Bughaw", of legal age, married and a resident of the abovementioned place was arrested at the said place by elements of Butuan City Police Station-4 and City Mobile Group led by PCI Manuel Jimenez. Bughaw has a pending WOA for the crime of Theft under Criminal case number 32364 of MTCC branch 2, Libertad, Butuan City dated June 25, 2008. Subject person was brought to the said station for proper disposition.
Fish cages for rent – A new concept
In response to the call to provide support and to better the lives of our fishfarmers, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Caraga introduces a new concept of helping them out. This is a new project conceptualized by BFAR-Caraga to empower our fisherfolk and lessen their dependence on government grants, to increase their income, enhance their living and to provide continuous supply of fish in the locality. This project will first be established in Dapa, Siargao Island and will soon be replicated to other areas in the region.
A total of 10 fish cages (8m x 8m x 5m) size will be established with a stocking density of 5,000 pieces of bangus fingerlings which is to be shouldered by the lessee. The cages will be alienated into different cluster compose of four cages each.
The targeted beneficiaries are the fisherfolks and fisherfolk associations in the locality. The projected rental is equivalent to the total cost of the established cage to be paid in an installment basis. (BFAR-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Feature: Dinagat Roads to Development
Passing through the road of Dinagat Island from Cagdianao to Loreto gives Dinagatnons clues of the island’s past and a vivid picture of its current status. It also gives us a glimpse of our future towards development, or perdition.
From the picturesque road of Cagdianao, to the welcome road of Dinagat, to the hilly road of San Jose, to the scenic road of Basilisa, to the Libjo road that dissect Paragua Forest, to the rustic road of Tubajon, and to the historic road of Loreto, Dinagatnons could see indicators of current endeavors towards local development. New bridges, concreting & repairing of roads, and sprouting of public signboards are almost everywhere. Old roads are having a facelift, while new ones cut across uncharted terrains. It is just a matter of time when these roads will be totally paved with concrete.
From these roads, Dinagatnons could see protected watershed areas, reforested coasts & highlands, bat sanctuaries, and marked fish sanctuaries. And yes, one could also see denuded forest covers, coal remnants of slash and burn, house shacks built closely along roads, burnt garbage dump, uncollected litter of plastics, cemeteries that encroached on road proximities, and murky flowing water of streams from mining operations. The juxtaposition of these two sceneries offers great challenges to the new province. Should we be responsible stewards of the place we proudly call home or allow tradition, superstition, peer pressure, financial want, or vote looping obscure our decisions? The response of every Dinagatnon, whatever it may be, will surely shape the future of Dinagat Islands. To discern what is best for Dinagatnons is the responsibility we each carry on our shoulder.
Unlike Butuan, little is written about the ancient history of Dinagat Island. The 20th century however witnessed the emerging of the island in the map of the Philippines. Three major events captured national attention and changed the lives of Dinagatnons. First was the spread of cholera epidemic from Manila to Dinagat in 1930’s that resulted to an octopus effect threatening to dissipate Dinagat’s sparse population. This epidemic eventually spread to the municipalities of mainland Surigao alerting local health authorities on end. Their epic quest to contain its spread was very well documented in Philippine medical journals. Second was the gallant struggle of Filipino and American soldiers against the Japanese soldiers in Loreto Municipality at the dusk of World War II. Their brave stance helped opened the door of Philippine liberation capped by the heroic re-entry of General Douglas MacArthur to fulfill his promise of return after abandoning his comrades in Bataan and Corregidor at the onset of the war. Third was the establishment of a haven for the members of Philippine Benevolent Movement Association in Barangay San Jose, Dinagat Municipality in 1970’s. Their arrival suddenly highlighted the need of more social services in the island. These three (3) major events re-shaped local dynamics that eventually resulted to the creation of the Province of Dinagat Islands.
But the greatest story of Dinagat Islands still has to be written. It did not unfold in our ancient and recent past. But it can unfold right now, right in front of us, under our noses, with the real sceneries we actually see today as the backdrop, and us as the players. It can happen if we Dinagatnons successfully combat environmental challenges and other social ills that confront us today; if we help each other help create a system that safeguards ecological services while ensuring efficient social services to Dinagatnons; if we jump start the new province with the right foot forward & not in our mouth; and if we seize this moment & use it to show smart leadership this part of Mindanao. Yes, we can write our greatest story right now, making our times the golden era of this province.
However, dilemmas should be squarely confronted: Should we choose economy or ecology? Conservatism or liberalism? Exclusion or inclusion? Utilitarianism or selective justice? Democracy or authoritarianism? Money or morality? Personal values or organizational values? Should we choose to protect our environment? Or use environment as a means to our personal end? It is prudent that we choose carefully our decisions especially when the plot of the story we would like to write is full of uncertainties.
Each of us has a role to play. And the role we play today may be considered a lead part by the judgment of history many years from now. It may be the role of a villain or a supporting one, history will say. Moreover, it is the interplay of these roles and its effects that are in fact the real road of our journey as a people towards progress, or maybe perdition.
But whatever the results of our own doing, we should be Dinagatnon enough to face the consequences. Like the soldiers of Loreto, we should be brave enough to look at death at its face. Like the cholera-fighting health personnel, we should contain damages through humility, sincerity, commitment, and hard work. Like most early PBMA migrants, we should show stoic perseverance.
Enough with rationalizations like heaping blames to spirits when we commit dastardly acts. We all have to be responsible and accountable to all our actions. After all we are living in a real world, lest we forget.
Few days ago, an aging mother went to my office requesting me for the signing of the death certificate of her son whom I had not seen. She showed me barangay certification that indeed her son was a resident of San Jose Municipality and actually died at their home unattended by health personnel. But what struck me was her insistent that her son died from “Daut”. Accordingly, her son was gidautan because he died soon after he had a haircut. After reviewing her son’s medical history and the circumstances of his death, it was obvious that her son died from Myocardial Infarction (MI). But still the mother was insistent that it was daut and even suggested that I write Gidautan as the Cause of Death. It was only after a lengthy explanation of the patho-physiology of MI that she accepted that it was after all not Daut. And in long afterthought, she deeply regretted that they didn’t bring her son to Dinagat District Hospital that could have saved his life.
This ignorance is alarming. This shows that we lack proper health Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns, our referral system is ineffective, our communities have inappropriate health-seeking behavior, and our district hospitals are not that appealing.
Yes, our current road is not perfect. In some part it is dusty, in some part concrete and smooth. But it is this imperfect part that gives us opportunities to hold each other’s hands in shaping our future. It gives us a chance to act a leading role, to stick to universal principles, to fight for super-ordinate global causes, and to transcend beyond ourselves.
In the very near future when circumnavigation of the whole Dinagat Island is already possible due to the concrete road that revolves around the island, Dinagatnons could immediately fathom the profound meaning of social change, see the bigger view of peace & development, discern the lessons of the past, and harness renewable resources in building our future. Not for personal ends or family preservation, but for the common good of the greatest number of Dinagatnons both now and the future.
But each Dinagatnon has to act responsibly, for each our action contributes to our shared concrete road to development.
And maybe at last, this is our greatest story unfolding today. (Adriano Petagara Suba-an, RMT, MD, MPH ,MCHM – Provincial Health Officer II/ PIA-Surigao City)
Trainer’s training on Safety Use of Sailboat Fishing as Livelihood Economic Measures
In response to the continuing crisis of fuels in the country, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) introduces measures that is economical, environment friendly, and alternative measures in case of engine trouble in the field of fishing. Hence, a 2-weeks training on Safety Use of Sailboat Fishing as Livelihood Economic Measures was conducted recently at Naval Based Compound (NBC), BFAR-National Marine Fisheries Development Center (NMFDC), Sangley Point, Cavite City. It was participated by the FRMD and RFTC technical staff of BFAR nationwide and spearheaded by the National Marine Fisheries Development Center (NMFDC). BFAR-13 Caraga’s representative is Mr. Leomel Gabales, FRMD rechnical staff. (Leomel M. Gabales, BFAR-13/ PIA-Caraga)
FRMD updates FLA
Some of the FLA areas in Caraga Region particularly in Hinatuan and Bislig, Surigao del Sur and Magallanes, Agusan del Norte was covered with CLOAs, and eventually titled.
With this, BFAR Caraga FRMD initiated a region-wide monitoring, evaluation and assessment of the status of this FLA areas. BFAR central office Legal Division joined the group in gathering evidences and other pertinent papers to really see the real situation of these areas. Those found out to be not in conformity with the law will be filled with cases in the proper court.
This area are previously covered with Fishpond Lease Agreement (FLAs) issued by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to qualified beneficiaries pursuant to Section 45, Republic Act No. 8550, otherwise known as the “Philippines Fisheries Code of 1998”.
The higher court has already categorized the areas into Alienable and Disposable (A&D) for fishpond purposes. This means that the FLA areas should not be issued with CLOAs; instead, they should have remained until today as fishpond areas covered with existing FLAs.
On the other hand, there were some Fishpond Lease Agreement foreclosed by Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) which are now open for public bidding. To those who are qualified and interested they may inquire at the said Bank and please inform this Office. (Rosemarie P. Caballero, BFAR-13/ PIA-Caraga)
SURSECO II pursues Rural Electrification Program
Tandag City, Surigao del Sur – SURSECO II or Surigao del Sur II Electric Cooperative, Inc. is pursuing the policy of the government in electrifying the whole archipelago, especially in the rural areas.
The coop was already energized 191 barangays since its creation. It has the total of 197 barangays in its franchise area which there are six remained unconnected with electricity.
Out of the six un-energized barrios, one of it is already constructed with a distribution lines, the Barangay Mampi in the municipality of Lanuza where soon to be energized and this is about 16 kilometers away from the National Highway in Gamuton, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur. The others were really unviable, but, the management is still hoping that these barrios will be tapped soon, although the rights of these were already been waived to the Department of Energy (DOE).
Recently, the coop energized Sitio Catabadan, San Roque, San Miguel this province on November 14, 2008 which there were 27 households are now experiencing the beauty of light and the importance of it.
Last month, the coop also energized one of the remotest barrio in the municipality of Carrascal, the Barangay Pantukan where residents were Manobos and this is also about 9 kilometers afar from the highway of Barangay Adlay, Carrascal this province. The event was happened last October 14, 2008.
These two big projects of SURSECO II is the living evidence that the coop is pursuing the Rural Electrification Program of our Government. This is really the essence of being a non-stock, non-profit cooperative under the supervision of National Electrification Administration (NEA).
This was also the fruit of hard work by which the management’s advocacy and to all the ECs of the country in general.
In fact, the management of SURSECO II, through the leadership of Engr. Iglorio R. Hinayon, the General Manager with the Board of Directors headed by its president Jose A. Trugillo, Sr. of Cagwait district is always looking for a support from the National and Local Officials in the continuity of Rural Electrification Program by which SURSECO II known to be the “Warriors of Light”.
As a matter of fact, the energization of that I had mentioned earlier was the result of their efforts in pursuing the program. (Aguinaldo L. Jaluag, SURSECO II / PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Pagka siyudad sa Tandag, Gibasura sa Korte Suprema
Mainit karon ang mga panghisgut-hisgut kalabot sa mga nigawasnga taho nga pagbasura sa korte suprema sa petisyon sa 16 ka mga munisipyo sa nasod nga nahimong siyudad kon diin usa na niini ang Tandag.// sa impormasyon nga nakuha sa radio ng bayan sa pipila ka mga opisyalis dinhi, wala pay nadawat nga kopya ang local na kagamhanan sa Tandag kalabot sa maong desisyon. Gani, mismong sila si Tandag Mayor Ike Pimentel uban sa mga duha ka mga konsehales nga sila si Atty. Lemuel Auza ug Atty. Andrei Andresan ang milarga niadtong Martes (Nov. 16) paingon manila aron pagkumpirmar sa impormasyong nadawat.Sumala pa ni Atty. Andresan, adunay panagtigum nga himoon nila uban sa opiasyales usab sa 15 ka mga lungsod aron sa pagplano sa lakang nga himoon kalabot sa naasoy nga taho.
Sa laing bahin, gawas sa kasamtangang tigum nga gihimo sa mga opisyales sa 16 ka mga munisipyo nga nahimong siyudad bag-o lamang, Mibalibad pa paghatag ug dugang detalye ang mga lokal na opisyalis dinhi sa Tandag kalabot sa isyu.sumala pa ni SP member Atty. Andrei Andresan samtang wala pa nila madawat ug mabasa ang tibook desisyon sa korte suprema kalabot sa isyu, Walay komento nga mapalanog kung pabor o dilli kanila ang disisyon sa korte suprema. Gani mismong si Mayor Ike Pimentel namahayag nga dili angayang mabalaka ang katawhan sa Tandag sa maong mga taho ug bugtong ang ilang pamahayag lamang ang hulaton kon diin misaad kini nga gilayong misaad kini nga gilaong ipahibalo dinhi sa radio na bayan ang kompletong detalye sa naasoy nga desisyon. (Nerissa Espinosa, dxJS Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/ PIA-Surigao del Sur)
A4P-PTWG to Celebrate Mindanao Week of Peace in SdS
Tandag Surigao del Sur (November 21) – The Act for Peace Provincial Technical Working Group (A4P-PTWG) of Surigao del Sur will celebrate the Mindanao Week of Peace with its theme, “Integrity of Mind and heart, a Way to Reconciliation and Peace”, on November 27 to December 03, here.
The weeklong celebration composing a series of activities in cooperation with the members of A4P-PTWG, including the Provincial Government Office headed by Governor Vicente T. Pimentel and some of the National Agencies here.
On day one, an opening motorcade will be scheduled roaming around the towns of Tandag and Tago here. On the second day, “Act for Peace on the Air” will be heard thru dxJS Radyo ng Bayan station between 10:00-11:00 o’clock in the morning, and “Interfaith Summit Fellowship for Peace” on the following day.
On November 30, the 58IB of Philippine Army, PGO Band and Rondalla will perform a “Concert for Peace” in the evening to be held at the Vicente T. Pimentel Boulevard, Bag-ong Lungsod, here.
While on December 01, the members of the A4P-PTWG will visit Barangay Layog of Tago Surigao del Sur for the “Layog Care for Peace”, program. There will be an Input Reconciliation and Mediation, seeds distribution, Animal Services and supplemental feeding sponsored by Department of Agriculture, Office of the Provincial Veterinarian and Provincial Social Welfare Development Office.
On the 6th day of activities, there will be a symposium to be done, focusing to the theme of the celebration at 2:00-4:30 o’clock in the afternoon to be held at Saint Theresa College, here.
The finale will have the “Draw and Tell a Story contests for Pre School pupils, Poster Making contest for the elementary School students, and Essay Writing contest for High School student. Awarding of prices followed right after the contest. (Nida Grace B. Tranquilan, PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Feature: Lola Remigia: Thank You Katas ng Vat
Lola Remigia Joaquino was all smiles as she patiently queued up, waiting for her turn to get the cash subsidy from the government’s Katas ng Vat: Tulong Para kay Lolo at Lola project.
When her turn came, the more she was beaming as she received the P 500.00 subsidy. This 78-year-old woman from barangay Mat-I, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, expressed her gratitude to the government for giving importance to older persons. She said this is the first time that senior citizens receive money from the share of government’s value added tax collection and hopes to receive another blessing from Katas ng Vat.
“With the P 500.00 I can now buy a little of what we need like fish, laundry soap, milk, rice and medicine,” Lola Remigia quickly answered when asked what important things she would buy with the money.
She narrated that for a long time they have not eaten fresh fish. All they have for viand is salted fish. “Only in rare instances, especially when somebody gives me 3 kilos of rice for washing clothes or for weeding a farm or garden, that we eat rice,” Lola Remigia added.
“I will also buy soap and milk. We have been washing our clothes only with water. I wanted my grandchildren to have milk even only at this time. Karon, makatilaw na pud mi’g isda, kan-on, ug gatas, ug makagamit napud mi’g sabon para panglaba (Now, we can again have a taste of fish, rice and milk and we can use laundry soap in washing our clothes),” Lola Remigia uttered. The rest of the money she said will be used to buy medicine for her sick husband.
At her age, Lola Remigia still washes clothes, weeds farm or fetches water for her neighbors in exchange for P 10.00 and 2 or 3 kilograms of rice.
Left with 3 grandchildren and a sick husband, Lola Remigia’s faith never falter. She attends mass every Sunday and she always prays to God to help her and keep her strong for the family.
As Lola Remigia walked away from the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), she still could not contain her happiness for l saw from a far the smile on her face as she
Katas ng Vat: Tulong Para kay Lolo at Lola Project is being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). (Leah T. Quintana, DSWD-13/ PIA-Caraga)
