DOLE launches NARS in Caraga
BUTUAN CITY (17 March 2009) – Aimed at providing local employment as well as sustain the demand of overseas workers abroad, particularly the Filipino nurses, the government recently launched NARS or Nurses Assigned in Rural Service.
Following this, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Caraga will hold a press conference on the NARS program tomorrow (March 18) at the DOLE Conference Room.
The press conference is expected to clarify questions regarding the program. The presscon is also expected to bring in more applicants as well as promote the project to Caraganons.
355 registered nurses in the region stand to benefit from the project.
It was learned that 355 nurses will initially be hired throughout the region. 50 will be assigned in Agusan del Norte; 70 in Agusan del Sur; 105 in Surigao del Norte; 95 in Surigao del Sur; and 35 for the Province of Dinagat Island.
NARS will be jointly implemented by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Health (DOH), and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) – Board of Nursing.
The project also aims to address the glut in inexperienced nurses and increase accessibility of health care services for the marginalized and poor sector.
Nurses will be deployed in rural areas to initiate primary health, school nutrition, maternal health programs, first-line diagnosis etc., inform about community water sanitation practices and do health surveillance; and immunize children and mothers.
The nurses will also serve as roving nurses for rural schools.
The program is expected not only to provide jobs to nurses but also training which is necessary for employment abroad.
Project beneficiaries will be provided with an P8,000 allowance from the national government and another P2,000 from the local government units (LGU). (Lovely Laudette D. Gamba, PIA-13)
KALAHI – Kalayaan Project continues
In 2005, 65 Barangays in Caraga were identified as priorities for the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan (KALAHI) Para sa Kalayaan Barangays Program (KBP). Under this program, twenty nine (29) of the first batch of implementation were completed in 2007 consisting of 13 potable water system and 16 school building projects covering 23 barangays in the provinces of Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur and Norte.
The second batch of implementation started in August 2008 with the revalidation of needs in the remaining 42 barangays. However, actual project implementation came to a full swing only on February 10, 2009 with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Health Center in Barangay Quezon, Surigao City followed by groundbreaking ceremonies for other projects on February 27 Health Center Project in Panatao, Claver, Surigao del Norte; and, Health Center, Day Care Center and Farm to Market Road Projects in Baleguian, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte.
The Municipal Government of Claver represented by the Honorable Vice-Mayor Gokiangkee expressed her earnest appreciation to the national government agencies for addressing the needs of the people of the barangay. Barangay Chairman Ariel Taer called for everybody’s support in the maintenance and upkeep of the health center as its sustainability will become the barangay’s responsibility.
In the afternoon of February 27, 2009, the groundbreaking ceremony for the 3 projects in Baleguian, Jabonga was spearheaded by Municipal Mayor Glicerio Monton and Barangay Chairman Rodolfo Morada.
Mayor Monton acknowledged the support of the national government, especially the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), in providing small but holistic infrastructure to their municipality. He also expressed gratitude for the blessings they received from KALAHI Kalayaan and Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (CIDDS) program as well. As the father of the barangay, Brgy. Chairman Morada called for everybody’s support to effectively maintain the facilities.
The AFP, as a major partner in the KBP, was represented by LTC Cristocal Zaragoza, Commanding Office, 30th Infantry Brigade and Major Wenefredo ArceΓ±o, Commanding Officer, 544th Engineering Construction Battallion (ECB) 52nd Engineering Brigade (EB) which is responsible for project implementation.
LTC Zaragoza was thankful for the presence of the people from the target communities. He was grateful for the warm welcome by the LGUs. He emphasized that the communities, local governments and the AFP should work together to fight insurgency problems in the different areas of the country.
The KBP is implemented to show the people that in any development effort, the AFP is always there. He also advocated for support to the government’s new program for rebel returnees, the Social Integration Program (SIP). Under SIP, the Philippine Government through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) campaigns for the reintegration of insurgents into the mainstream of society and their return to the fold of the law through various government programs. Besides the different interventions offered under SIP, the AFP is actively immersing in the communities through the KBP and other programs to erase the wrong notion of fear for the military.
On the other hand, Major ArceΓ±o supported the statements of LTC Zaragoza and added that the Engineering Brigade is the most visible partner in development interventions at the communities.
As a concerted effort of the regional line agencies through the Regional KALAHI Convergence Group (RKCG), LGUs and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the KALAHI program aims to alleviate poverty in the communities. The KBP complements the KALAHI program in the communities threatened by insurgency. Government interventions converge in these communities to ensure the government’s visibility.
Representing the RKCG Secretariat, Ms. Jazmin Berido of NEDA 13 emphasized that the projects in the communities concretize the partnership of various sectors and that the RKCG is always there to support the communities and serve as channel for other assistance to respond to their needs. (Archie Guzman, NEDA-13/ PIA-Caraga)
BaΓ±ares is new DAR-Caraga Chief
Calendar Year 2009 is another chapter of endeavor for the Department of Agrarian Reform…a start with new operational directives to pursue and a new administration for CARAGA Region.
Regional Director Elmo A. BaΓ±ares has assumed office on January 30, 2009 after the turnover with Engr. Felix B. Aguhob, outgoing Regional Director, conducted.
As a background, RD BaΓ±ares was happily married to Mrs. Felicidad C. BaΓ±ares with three children. He was Involved in Agrarian Reform and Rural Development for almost thirty five (35) years in five (5) regions in the Visayas and Mindanao with different capacities from Technician, Supervisor, Regional Director to National Program Coordinator.
He was also assigned in Antique as Technician and later as Team Leader for five years. Transferred to Regional Office particularly in Region 6, Iloilo City and designated as CARPO Operations for 9 years. Later, he was appointed as Assistant Regional Director in 1989 and assigned in Regions 10, 6, 8 and 7 thereafter.
He was also appointed as Regional Director in 1995 and assigned in Regions 6 and 7, and the Belgian Integrated Agrarian reform Support Program.
When it comes to work, as described by PARO Benjamin M. Mataksil, RD Banares possess a “father” figure and sincere in the implementation of the program (CARP). On his administration, one important emphasis he mentioned during the turnover is dedication towards work and with all the challenges that DAR is facing right now particularly on the campaign for CARP extension, there is a need for full cooperation among employees in pursuing its targets for the year.
All employees of the five provinces of CARAGA region composed of DARPO Agusan del Norte, DARPO Agusan Sur, DARPO Surigao del Norte, DARPO Dinagat Island and DARPO Surigao del Sur assured a 100% commitment and support for his administration. (Myra Q. Yu, DA-Surigao del Sur/ PIA-Caraga)
POLICE REPORTS
By PO3 Rene Boy Ocares Bernaldez
and PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania
Report on retrieval of headless cadaver
On March 9, 2009 at 4:00 in the afternoon, the retrieval team found the headless cadaver of the 10-year old Rowena Romano floating at Mahiba Lake, San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.
Initial investigation of Bunawan Municipal Police Station disclosed that on March 7, 2009 while the victim onboard a canoe/banca going to the floating school at Lake Mahiba, Barangay San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur attacked by a crocodile with an estimated size of 4 feet in width and 25 feet long.
Reportedly, the boat capsized after the crocodile attacked and destroyed the rear portion of the banca. The victim fell down and crocodile grasp and bite the victims head.
Related information received from some constituents stated that on February 9, 2009 at 6:00 in the evening, allegedly same crocodile attacked and bite the right thigh of another victim named Rosejanno Navarro while fishing onboard a banca at same lake but able to save his life after hacking the left eye of the crocodile.
Investigation is still going on. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Report on illegal gambling
On March 10, 2009 at 4:40 in the afternoon, elements of RID/RSOG PRO 13 led by SPO3 Cristino A. Buno, under the close supervision of PSSUPT Heriberto Olitoquit, Chief RID conducted operations against illegal gambling at Purok-3, Barangay San Teodoro, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur which resulted to the apprehension of a certain Jenny Banuhay and Annaliza Sevilla, both 15 years old and residents of Barangay Maug, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
Arrested minors were caught in the act engaged/accepting bet money from illegal numbers game locally known as “swertres” and last 2 digits inside a booth situated at said place.
Confiscated from their possessions and control were two units cellphones; two calculators; five pieces ballpens; one piece stamp pad; 80 unfilled stubs; several filed-up tally sheets and bet money amounting to P7,765.75.
Apprehended suspects were turned-over to WCCD of Bunawan Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Report on illegal logging
On March 11, 2009 at 8:30 in the morning at the National Highway, Barangay Ampayon, Butuan City, SPO1 Juniel Gultiano, member of Butuan City Police Office, intercepted one unit Isuzu Jeepney with plate number LYC 613, driven by a certain Joel Aurora y Estoy, a resident of Flavia, San Luis, Agusan del Sur loaded with hard wood lumbers estimated to 350 board feet.
Said lumbers have no pertinent papers during verification. Seized lumbers will be turned-over to CENRO Butuan City for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
PNP arrests wanted persons
On March 10, 2009 at 11:00 in the morning at Sitio Ebo, Barangay Anahao-Daan, Tago, Surigao del Sur, elements of Tago Municipal Police Station led by PSI Freddie Montero Montenegro, COP, arrested the suspect identified as Rogelio AraΓ±az, 31 years old, single, farmer and a resident of Barangay Lindoy, Tago, Surigao del Sur.
Suspect was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest (WOA) issued by Judge Luna Jr., Presiding Judge of RTC 11th Judicial Region, Branch 40, Tandag City dated November 24, 2009, docketed under criminal case number 5263 for MURDER, with no bailbond recommended.
Arrested person is now detained at Tago Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
Also, on March 11, 2009 at 6:30 in the morning at Richmond Plywood Corporation, Mahogany, Butuan City, elements of Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) Warrant Section arrested a certain Ron Pagapulaan, 27 years old, married and a resident of Purok-6A, Baan Riverside, Butuan City, by virtue of warrant of arrest issued by Judge Escatron of RTC Branch 2, Butuan City, docketed under criminal case number 12801 for ESTAFA with recommended bailbond of P16,000.00.
Suspect was turned-over to the issuing court for proper disposition.
At 9:20 in the morning of the same date at Barangay San Vicente, Butuan City, elements of Warrant Section of BCPO led by SPO3 Herminigildo Narciso, arrested one Obencio Berol, 52 years old, widow and a resident of Purok-20, Barangay San Vicente, Butuan City, by virtue of warrant of arrest issued by Judge Eduardo Casals of RTC, Branch 1, Butuan City docketed under criminal case numbers 13308 and 13309 for violation of RA 9262 with recommended bailbond of P80,000.00.
Arrested person was turned over to the issuing court for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Report on shooting incident
On March 10, 2009 at 8:00 in the morning at Barangay Caromata, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, a certain Wilson Maquiling, 34 years old, married, farmer and resident of said place was shot by the suspect identified as Democrito Acevedo, 22 years old, married, farmer and resident of said place with the used of cal .22 airgun rifle.
Responding elements of San Miguel Municipal Police Station brought the victim who sustained two gunshot wounds on his body to San Miguel District Hospital for medical treatment but was pronounced dead by the attending physician.
Motive of the incident was personal grudge due to land dispute. PNP elements of San Miguel Municipal Police Station is now conducting manhunt operation for the arrest of the suspect. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Report on loose firearm
On March 10, 2009 at 12:30 afternoon at Purok-1, Barangay Sacol, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, PNP personnel of Buenavista Municipal Police Station led by SPO2 Victor S Laurente, conducted operation kapkap/bakal which resulted to the apprehension of the suspect identified as Virgilio Lanchenebre, 54 years old, resident of said place.
Confiscated from his possession is one unit cal .38 revolver (paltik) without serial number and ammunition.
Suspect and confiscated item were brought to Buenavista Municipal Police Station for proper disposition while appropriate charges are being prepared for filing in court. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
