CDA Caraga rank 3rd in the overall performance nationwide
BUTUAN CITY – Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Caraga Region ranked third in the overall performance among all extension offices nationwide based on the assessment by the CDA top management.
This is revealed by Director Manuela Pelaez of the CDA during the Regional Cooperative Development Council (RCDC) meeting here, this city, recently.
Based on records, the cooperative sector of the region is found to be progressing and is slowly finding its niche in the regional economy. Despite the present economic crisis, the top cooperatives of the region show steady financial growth.
Director Pelaez attributes the cooperatives success in the region through the continuing efforts of CDA Caraga to guide, empower and strengthen them (the cooperatives) to become solid and stable socio-economic enterprises.
At the core of the regulatory power of CDA Caraga is the emphasis on diligence and integrity. CDA Caraga espoused to safeguard the money of the marginalized poor in cooperatives and to empower and enjoin the coops to manage it with utmost diligence and integrity.
Also at the heart of the agency’s achievement is the strict follow-up on the submission of the reportorial requirements of the agency to instill in cooperatives the sense of value of servitude, accountability and integrity thereby ensuring the safety of the money of the poor in cooperatives.
Director Pelaez in her message acknowledges the fact that the agency’s mandate to develop and empower cooperatives to become instruments of equity, social justice and sustainable economic development is a daunting task.
Nonetheless CDA Caraga personnel have been diligent in the performance of their mandate. She praised the CDA Caraga personnel for their teamwork and cooperation making possible such a notable achievement.
Director Pelaez also extend her gratitude to CDA central office, the cooperative sector, partners and stakeholders from the national government line agencies, LGUs of the provinces, cities and municipalities for their cooperation and assistance. (Lovely Laudette Gamba, PIA-Caraga)
Caraga coops show steady growth despite econ crisis
BUTUAN CITY – The financial strength of the cooperatives in Caraga that made it to the Top 200 Cooperatives for 2007 shows a steady growth despite the present economic crisis.
Based on 2007 audited financial statements (AFS), the top cooperatives financial operation shows no corresponding decrease despite decrease in membership and number of employees.
The cooperatives in the region shows a net surplus of P21 million in 2007, from P105 million in 2006 to P126 million in 2007. The coops also shows an increase in the volume of business by P23.7 billion in 2007, from P1,417 billion in 2006 to P1,441 billion in 2007.
The savings program of the cooperatives also shows a steady and sustained generation of funds. Of the 335 cooperatives monitored a total of P407.62 million capital build up was generated from 67,146 members. The same number of cooperatives saved a total of P140.7 million from 50,094 members for 2008.
As of December 31, 2008, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Caraga also recorded 131 newly registered coops. To CDA Caraga this means that people still opt to register as a cooperative to pursue a common economic end.
According to Director Manuela Pelaez of CDA Caraga the accomplishments of cooperatives in the face of the looming global financial crisis are truly a refreshing inspiration and hope.
“The rallying call of cooperatives with savings and credit services is to imbibe the habit of savings and thrift, self-help and self responsibility is never more fitting and appropriate to be reiterated again in the face of the present economic difficulties,” says Director Pelaez. (Lovely Laudette Gamba, PIA-Caraga)
FEATURE : Waging war against waste
According to the report of the Surigao City General Services Office released in 2000, the City of Surigao generates 18 tons of waste every single day. This being quite a massive amount of waste, the Province of Surigao del Norte has come up with a resounding response to this challenge.
The response came in the form of the ACES Program or the Advocacy for a Clean Environment and its Sustainability. This is a holistic environmental advocacy that focuses not only on lobbying for the passage of environmental laws, but also making sure that these laws are properly implemented. One of the specific programs under the ACES Program is the “Oplan Limpyo Kapitolyo, Kwarta sa Basura, Tabang sa Preso”.
Helping the inmates and cleaning the province
This unique program, which is first in the country, showcases the symbiotic relationship among the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte through the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), a mining firm – Oriental Synergy Mining Corporation (OSMC) and the inmates of the Provincial Jail of Surigao del Norte through their association SELDA or Surigao Ecological Livelihood Development Association. The scheme not only reduces waste, it also provides a means of livelihood for inmates of the said penal institution.
The Oplan Limpyo Kapitolyo, Kwarta sa Basura, Tabang sa Preso has two component projects: a) organic fertilizer production using bioreactor technology; and b) proper management and recycling of other wastes.
Carrying out plans into action
To carry out the vision for this project, the Provincial Government through the PEMO constructed a Materials Recovery Facility at the Provincial Jail Compound and through the assistance of OSMC, purchased a 300-kg capacity bioreactor which was installed therein. It is also the PEMO that supervises the daily operations of this project.
On the other hand, DOST-13 provided the technology and technical assistance in order to operationalize the facility. Expert from DOST- Industrial Technology Development Institute, in Manila, the generator of the Bioreactor technology in the person of Engr Romeo Cabacang was tapped by DOST 13 to ensure the smooth transfer of technology and sustainable operation of the facility.
The Provincial Jail inmates, as the manpower for this project, apply the technological knowledge acquired from DOST in order to convert biodegradable waste into organic fertilizer, which is the final product of the project. Also, inmates will be trained in coming up with other recycled products. Proceeds and gains from sold products will benefit the Provincial inmates to augment their capacity to meet their daily basic needs.
Launching a revolutionary project
Support for the project poured in when it was officially launched last October 27, 2008 at the Provincial Jail of Surigao del Norte. The Hon. Robert Ace S. Barbers, governor of the Province of Surigao del Norte and brains of the ACES Program, gave a compelling and inspirational message. Vice Governor Noel P. Catre and other Provincial Officials also dropped in to signify their support. Mr. Antonieto M. Charcos, Officer-in-Charge of the PEMO, who generally supervised the full implementation of this laudable project delivered a comprehensive briefing on what the project is all about and the directions and strategies to sustain its operation.
The Regional Director for DOST-13, Dir. Lyndo Villacorta, likewise expressed his strong support and commitment to the project. The Chief of the Material Science Division, Microbiology Section of the DOST-ITDI, Engr. Romeo Cabacang, likewise expressed commitment to help propel the project into success. The Oriental Synergy Mining Corporation, one of the keen advocates of a healthy and clean environment, also sent its representative in the person of its Manager, Engr. Gerry Higdon.
How is the project now?
This March or five(5) months after its operation, the Bioreactor Facility at the Provincial Jail compound has now produced around 18.750 tons of organic fertilizer. Packed in a 50-kg capacity, and priced at Php 250.00 per sack, it will generate an income of Php 93,750.00. So far, PEMO and SELDA or Surigao Ecological Livelihood Development Association, whose members are the provincial inmates directly manning the facility had already disposed half of the organic fertilizer tonnage fetching an income of about Php 47,500.00. And so far, sales booking starts to pick up.
Today, this innovative project is gaining wide support from every Surigaonon. Somehow, the message printed at the back of the shirts of those involved in the project say it all: “ECO-BOYS”. The notion that more people are being men for a clean and healthy environment is indeed a welcome thought. And more so, it proves that there is money even when one is waging war against garbage. (Dr. Nancy L. Charcos, PSTD - Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
POLICE REPORTS
By PO3 Rene Boy Ocares Bernaldez
Report on illegal gambling
On March 26, 2009 at 3:40 in the afternoon at Purok-4 Amamaylan, Barangay Baan kilometer 3, Butuan City, elements of Butuan City Police Station-1 led by SPO3 Andales conducted operation against illegal gambling, which resulted to the confiscation of one unit video karera machine with undetermined peso coins inside from the possession of August AriΓ±o, of legal age, married and resident of said place.
Confiscated item was brought to the Butuan City Police Station 1 for proper disposition.
On March 27, 2009 at 10:35 in the morning, elements of Butuan City Police Office led by SPO4 Bailo, with close supervision of PINSP Quiruben, Officer-In-Charge of Butuan City Police Station 4, confiscated one unit Fruit Game Machine locally known as “Kulalong” from the possession and control of a certain Leonardo Ubo, 43 years old, married and resident of Purok-5, Barangay Los Angeles, Butuan City.
Initial investigation that subject machine was owned by a certain Eddie Esguerra, of legal age, married and resident of Purok-13 Los Angeles, Butuan City.
Said unit is now under the custody of Butuan City Police Station 4 for proper disposition, while case for violation of PD 1602 as amended by RA 9287 is being prepared for filing in court against the suspect.
Also, on March 28, 2009 at 12:15 in the afternoon at Rumo's Carenderia, infront of Butuan Jeepney Terminal, Butuan City, PNP elements of Butuan City Police Station 2 led by PO3 Sanchez conducted operation against illegal gambling which resulted to the arrest of the suspects identified as Senulfa Balabaa, married and resident of Purok-3A, Holy Redeemer, Butuan City; Gina Macaldo, married and resident of said place; Joan de Guzman, 30 years old, married, resident of Gusoon, Carmen, Agusand el Norte; and Jonard Diagel, 29 years old, married and resident of Purok-14, Barangay Batong, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.
Confiscated from the suspects’ possessions were one set plastic playing card and bet money amounting to Php 670.00.
Apprehended persons were brought to Butuan City Police Station 2 for proper disposition. Case is being prepared for filing in court. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
PNP arrests wanted persons
On March 25, 2009 at 8:20 in the evening at Purok 2, Bongaitan District, Mangagoy, Bislig City, elements of Bislig City Police Station led by SPO1 Wilbert Sardalla arrested the suspect identified as Jefry Carpe, 18 years old, single and resident of said place.
Carpe was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest (WOA) issued by Judge Merlyn Pacaro CaΓ±edo, Presiding Judge, Regional Trial Court (RTC), 11th Judicial Region, Branch 29, Bislig City for the crime of Homicide docketed under criminal case number 2009-01-3329 dated January 22, 2009 with recommended bailbond in the amount of P40,000.00.
Subject person is now detained at said station for proper disposition.
Also, on March 26, 2009 at 10:15 in the morning at Barangay 9, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, personnel of Nasipit Municipal Police Station led by PO3 Danilo Caingcoy arrested the suspect identified as May Antonette Hechanova, 19 years old and a resident of said place.
Suspect was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest issued by Judge Francisco Maclang, Branch 3, RTC, Butuan City for the crime of Qualified Theft docketed under criminal case number 2009-13162 with recommended bailbond of P24,000.00.
Suspect is now detained at said station for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Violation of RA 7610
On March 27, 2009 at 11:15 in the evening at Barangay Fort Poyohon, Butuan City, a certain Flor John Guadamor, 17 years old and resident of Purok-6, Barangay Fort Poyohon, Butuan City was allegedly mauled by the suspect identified as Kerwin Fortun Paloma, 28 years old, single and resident of Purok-2, Barangay Fort Poyohon, Butuan City.
Victim sustained injuries on the different parts of his body and now confined at Butuan City Medical Center for medical treatment.
PNP personnel of Butuan City Police Station 2 conducted hot pursuit operation which resulted to the apprehension of the suspect.
Case was filed in court in an inquest proceedings. However, suspect voluntarily singed a waiver and now detained at Butuan City Police Station 2 for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
