Germany contributes to the project “Emergency Relief Operation in Caraga”
In a handover ceremony on April 2 in the Municipal Hall of Jabonga, Agusan del Norte Province, German Ambassador Christian-Ludwig Weber-Lortsch will make available the amount of PhP 1,312,200 (about EUR 22,121) as a grant of the Federal Government of Germany to the project “Emergency Relief Operation in Caraga”. The contribution will be allocated for humanitarian assistance to about 1,200 families worst affected by the natural disaster that struck the islands of Mindanao at the onset of the year from January 10 to January 18 which left thousands of families with damaged houses, properties and livelihoods.
The assistance is provided by the German Embassy in Manila and will be implemented through its local partner, Caraga Conference for Peace and Development (CCPD), and supported by the German Development Cooperation (GTZ).
The amount of PhP 1,312,200 will be used to provide necessary food assistance as well as non-food items including medicine, and to finance administrative costs including transportation to the devastated remote areas where services and assistance are difficult to avail including Esperanza, San Luis and Lapaz in Agusan del Sur; Jabonga and Tubay in Agusan del Norte; Soccoro Island, Mainit and Placer in Surigao del Norte; San Miguel and Carascal in Surigao del Sur.
The Caraga Conference for Peace and Development (CCPD) is composed of members from the religious sector, the government, non-government organisations, Indigenous Peoples, the business sector, the academe and the media. Representatives from these different sectors have come together for a common goal of genuine peace and holistic development. It is also dedicated to an improved coordination of relief efforts for people affected by conflicts and calamities in Caraga.
Since the start of the bilateral cooperation in 1961, the German government has committed a total bilateral assistance of more than EUR 571 million in financial cooperation and EUR 272 million in technical cooperation for a broad spectrum of projects and programs. On March 9, 2009, it committed an overall amount of seven million Euros to Technical Cooperation projects in the Caraga region; this amount will be complemented by additional funds for Financial Cooperation projects.
The GTZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft fΓΌr Technische Zusammenarbeit), under commission from the German Federal Government, has been working with government and communities in the Philippines since 1971, sharing the best in German technology and wealth of experience in international cooperation. Together with other implementing agencies from Germany, GTZ will carry out the future cooperation projects of German ODA in the Caraga region. (Louie Ceniza, NSC/PIA-Caraga)
“Transition Presidency” radical but constitutional – NSA Gonzales
THE proposal for a transition president in 2010 is radical, but it is within the Constitution.
National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales asserted this yesterday in reaction to doubts raised by some opposition senators about his proposal’s constitutionality and his motive.
“The idea calls for the election in 2010, not designation now or later, of a transition president. That is why it is addressed both to those who want to contest the presidency in 2010 and to the electorate,” the Malacanang official explained.
“When we elect in 2010 a president, we will be electing a president with a full term of six years. But this new president, if he truly understands the needs of our society and he truly wants to lead or start its transformation, knows that he has to devote the first two to three years of his term to carryout fundamental political reforms before he can embark on the path to social and economic progress,” Gonzales said.
The national security chief said the political reforms that the new president will have to carryout may lead to a new political system that will possibly require new elections under the new system.
“What is unconstitutional about this?” Gonzales asked.
Gonzales reiterated his belief that the country’s problems are so grave that it needs no less than an overhaul, but he pointed out that his proposal comes from the perspective that rebuilding the country requires collective leadership or governance with the people.
“Every crucial decision for the change, recovery and progress of the country should be made with the people,” he emphasized. That is why, after carrying out the political reforms, the transition president should seek a new mandate from the people under a new system if he or she is interested in continued leadership of the country.
The MalacaΓ±ang official recognized that his proposal is “certainly radical to many politicians particularly those who are dreaming already of their own turn at a six-year presidency.”
“My proposal is not a legal framework for succession. It is not even about change of leadership. It is about change of mindset and of attitude with regard to the forthcoming 2010 presidential election, and it is a challenge addressed to both our political leaders, particularly those who want to be the next president, and to our people,” Gonzales emphasized.
He expressed again his fear that, without change of mindset of the country’s political leaders and electorate, “we will only have more of the same in 2010; the same corrupt and dysfunctional political system, and the same elitist and self-serving politicians.”
“If we do, then 2010 will be another wasted opportunity for real societal change. We will have another six years of bad politics, of unending political squabbles, at the expense of our hungry people and poorly educated children,” Gonzales said. (Louie Ceniza, NSC/ PIA-Caraga)
DENR seizes 5,000 pieces of illegally-cut logs in Agusan River
BUTUAN CITY – Combined operatives of the DENR, the PNP Regional Mobile Group headed by PSupt. Jaime Milla of PNP Region 13 and the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur have apprehended more or less 5000 pieces of illegal logs during a week-long operation that started on March 23,2009 along the Agusan river in the remote town of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur .
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Sixto C. Badua said this is the biggest catch of illegal logs over the last 10 months since the DENR boosted its anti-illegal logging drive in the entire region in May last year .
The Regional Executive Director of the DENR for Caraga Region Edilberto S. Buiser who was motivated by the “one strike policy” of DENR Secretary Lito Atienza, Jr. said the full support given by the provincial government of Agusan del Sur under Governor Ma. Valentina Plaza, and the Caraga Conference for Peace and Development under Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos of Butuan City were the key factors in the recent apprehension of the illegal logs in that town.
The Regional Technical Director for Forest Management Virgilio dela Cruz said the identities of the owners of the illegal logs are still being determined but nevertheless, the legal division of the DENR is gathering the necessary information for legal actions. He said reports have indicated that some of the owners of the apprehended logs are former local executives.
The report said the tribal people believed to have been hired by log smugglers were rafting the logs to hide in several tributaries in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur when the government operatives found them.
The confiscated logs were towed downstream of Agusan river to a temporary depository area of the DENR in Butuan City where it will be donated and disposed through bidding process by the Natural Resources Development Corporation (NRDC) pending the completion of the required documents.
According to PENRO Badua the apprehended logs were escorted also by CENRO Consolador Mantilla of Bayugan, OIC, CENRO Trifino Perigrino of Loreto, and OIC CENRO Simon Enong of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, all the way from Batohon Checkpoint in Espernza in that province to Butuan City to be sure that the logs are intact.
The intensified drive against illegal logging activities is in line with the pronouncement of DENR Secretary Lito Atienza declaring 2009 as “Law Enforcement Year” to emphasize the Department’s serious effort in protecting the country’s environment and natural resources.
“I will ensure that the full force of the law will be meted out against anyone who will violate the environmental laws because the certainty of punishment is the best deterrent to the commission of a crime,” Atienza said.
The DENR chief said due recognition will also be accorded to DENR officials who properly apply the full force of the law in their respective areas.
“I am confident that year 2009 can make the difference. Aside from the fact that we have 42 environmental laws that give us more teeth in our fight against environmental violators, the judiciary is also taking a more active role in protecting nature and the country’s environment,” Atienza said. (Herzon F. Gallego, DENR-13/ PIA-Caraga)
CICT invites unserved, underserved municipalities to host a CeC
The Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT), in the implementation of the Philippine Community eCenter (CeC) Roadmap , invites municipal governments particularly those without any form of CeC in their locality to apply for the hosting of a CeC.
A CeC is a self-sustaining shared facility providing affordable access to ICT-enabled services and relevant content. It serves as a conduit for efficient delivery of government and other services and a potent tool for empowerment and participation of unserved and underserved communities in development.
To date, a total of 755 CeCs are in existence, and these are implemented by various CeC initiatives in the Philippines. The establishment of new CeCs under CICT is one of four components of the roadmap implementation project which will be funded under the eGovernment Fund. The other three components are: the transformation of existing school laboratories and Internet cafes into CeCs; capability building; and content development.
Read full article at http://www.philcecn et.ph. (Melody Cocon, NTC-13/PIA-Caraga)
Differently-abled persons can enjoy discounts on basic and prime commodities
Filipino citizens with disabilities can now avail of a five percent (5%) special discount on basic and prime commodities.
The special discount covers basic necessities such as rice, corn, bread, fresh, dried and canned fish, dried and other marine products, fresh pork, beef and poultry meat, fresh eggs, fresh and processed milk, infant formulas, fresh vegetables, root crops, coffee, sugar, cooking oil, salt, laundry soap, detergents, firewood, charcoal, candles and other commodities that may classified by the Department of Trade and Industry [DTI] and Department of Agriculture [DA].
Discounted prime commodities include fresh fruits, flour, dried, processed and canned pork, beef and poultry, meat, dairy products not falling under basic necessities, noodles, onions, garlic, diapers, paper, school supplies, herbicides, poultry, swine and cattle feeds, veterinary products for poultry, swine and cattle feeds, veterinary products for poultry, swine and cattle, nipa shingle, plyboard, construction nails, batteries, electrical supplies, light bulbs, and steel wire.
Discounted purchases should not exceed One Thousand Three Hundred Pesos [PhP 1,300.00] per calendar week. Unused portion of the weekly allowable amount cannot be added or carried-over to the following week. Items bought at discounted rate should only be those which are for the differently-abled person’s personal and exclusive consumption and enjoyment within the calendar week.
To avail of the discount, the qualified beneficiary must present the identification card issued by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) or by the authorized office of the Local Government Units [LGUs] where the beneficiary resides.
The 5% discount can be availed from supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores and shops but not including sari-sari stores with a capitalization of less than P100,000.00, public and private markets, talipapa and cooperatives.
A purchase booklet shall be presented to the retailer every time a purchase of basic necessities and prime commodities is made. The LGUs shall procure and distribute the purchase booklets to the persons with disability residing within their respective localities.
This special discount is in accordance to Republic Act No. 9442 also known as the “Magna Carta for Disabled Persons and for Other Purposes.” (Lorijane D. Sacote and Grace S. Tocmo, DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
DTI’s automatic business name renewal for expired business names takes effect
Effective March 9, 2009, the Department of Trade and Industry [DTI] shall automatically renew all Business Name [BN] registrations that are due for renewal.
Certificate of Business Name Registration which has an expiry period of five [5] years from the date of issue will be automatically renewed provided, however, the renewal fee shall be paid within the grace period of six months after the expiration date.
Applicants shall surrender the expired BN certificate and pay the necessary fees of P150 if payment is made on or before July 15, 2009 or P300.00 after July 15, 2009.
Failure to pay the renewal fee during the six months grace period shall be a ground for the automatic cancellation of the Certificate of Business Name Registration. The registrant will be notified within 10 days from date of cancellation.
This is according to the provisions of DTI’s Department Administrative Order No. 09-02 series of 2009.
Butuan City and Agusan del Norte applicants are advised to visit the National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center [NERBAC]- Caraga located at the 3rd Floor, East Wing, D&V Bldg., JC Aquino Avenue, Butuan City for their business name renewals.
NERBAC-Caraga also provides those planning to go into business other information such as registration requirements, procedures and forms of other licensing agencies. (Lorijane D. Sacote and Grace S. Tocmo, DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)
POLICE REPORTS
By PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania
Report on loose firearms
On March 30, 2009 at 9:50 in the evening at the National Highway, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, suspects identified as Edwin Serato, 24 years old, single and Danilo Lumas, 23 years old, single, both residents of New Tubigon, Bayugan City were apprehended by PNP elements of Bayugan City Police Station led by PINSP Jumark Quisao CaΓ±a.
Confiscated from their possession were one unit cal .38 revolver with three live ammunitions and one unit cal .22 with five live ammunitions without serial numbers and pertinent papers.
Arrested person and confiscated items were brought to Bayugan City Police Station for documentation and filing of appropriate charges in court. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Report on illegal gambling
On March 29, 2009 at 6:00 in the evening at the Moonglow Public Market, Brgy Bag-ong Lungsod, Tandag City, suspect identified as Jose Bagnol, 20 years old, married and resident of said place was arrested by PNP elements of Tandag City Police Station led by SPO2 Loreto C Suarez while actually caught collecting bet money for last two digits and “swertres”.
Confiscated from the suspect’s possession were gambling paraphernalia and bet money amounting to Php 3,348.00.
Arrested suspect and confiscated items were brought to Tandag City Police Station for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Report on robbery hold-up incident
On March 28, 2009 at 3:15 in the afternoon at the National Highway of Purok-2, Barangay Kapatungan, Trento, Agusan del Sur, Sherril Parache y Altiza, 24 years old, single, collector of Armando Financing Corporation, Trento Branch and resident of Purok-2, Poblacion Trento, Agusan del Sur was robbed by three suspects.
PNP elements of Trento Municipal Police Station led by PINSP Rennel Serrano conducted hot-pursuit operation and follow-up investigation for possible arrest of the suspects.
Initial investigation revealed that prior to the incident, the victim was collecting payments (arawan) on board a passenger motorcycle going to Poblacion of same municipality together with one of the three suspects who posed as passenger and upon reaching at said place, suspect pointed cal .45 pistol to the victim and declared hold-up.
Suspect forcibly took away cash money amounting to more or less Php 8,000.00 and victim's necklace, then ordered the motorcycle driver to stop.
Suspect disembarked and boarded another single motorcycle Honda TMX without plate number waiting at said place.
One of the suspects was identified as Julieto Mique alias "Gaga", of legal age, married, laborer and resident of Purok-1, Barangay Libertad, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.
Case for robbery now prepared by Trento Municipal Police Station for filing in court against the suspect. Progress report to follow. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
PNP arrests wanted persons
On March 31, 2009 at 6:30 in the morning at Purok-5, Barangay Doongan, Butuan City, PNP personnel of Butuan City Police Station 2 led by SPO3 Advincula and PO2 Adalid arrested the suspect identified as Dominico Hinaniban, 37 years old, married and resident of Purok-10, Barangay Doongan, Butuan City.
Suspect was arrested by virtue of alias warrant of arrest (WOA) docketed under CC number 38523 for simple theft, issued by Hon Judge James V Go of MTCC Branch 2, Hall of Justice, Libertad, Butuan City dated March 11, 2009 with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 10,000.00.
Subject now temporarily detained as Butuan City Police Station 2 for documentation and proper disposition.
Also, on March 31, 2009 at 8:00 in the morning at Purok-2, Barangay Ampayon, Butuan City, PNP members of Butuan City Police Station 4 led by PSINSP Ronaldo V Plaza arrested the suspect identified as Cesar Indoc, 45 years old, married and resident of said place.
Suspect was arrested by virtue of WOA docketed under CC number 39340 issued by Hon Judge Dennis Castilla of MTCC Branch 1, Libertad, Butuan City dated March 20, 2009 for the crime of estafa with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 10,000.00.
Subject person now temporarily detained at Butuan City Police Station 4 for proper documentations and disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
