More Caraganons benefit PCSO’s “charity virus”
BUTUAN CITY (08 September) – More Caraganons benefitted the simultaneous medical, dental and feeding mission of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) held Sunday, September 6 throughout the country.
In Caraga Region, the activity opened at eight o’clock in the morning in key cities, provinces and municipalities.
Alicia C. Figuracion, 56 years old from Purok 2 Brgy. Capalayan of Surigao City was very happy to receive medicines from personnel of PCSO and the Provincial and City Health Office of Surigao after she was examined by a medical doctor who volunteered to serve the Surigaonons.
The teary-eyed Figuracion is thankful to PCSO as well as to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who leads in spreading the charity virus nationwide. “Talagsa-on gajud kini nga higayon nga gitanyag sa PCSO ug sa Pangulo sa atong nasud – Presidente Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo alang sa mga kabus sama kanako. Mao nga mapasalamaton gayud ako kaniya.” (This is a rare opportunity offered by PCSO and our President – Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the less-privileged like me. So, I am so thankful to her), she said.
Also, 53 year-old Jesima Arnuza of Brgy. Cabongbongan, this city is suffering from diabetes and buying medicines for her maintenance is one of her problems but because of the activity, she was given free medicine. “Dako gyud ang akong pasalamat sa PCSO ug sa atong mahal nga Pangulo Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo kay gitagaan gyud ug higayon ang among dakbayan aron ma-serbisyohan niini nga kalihukan” (I am very much thankful to PCSO and to our President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for giving our city the opportunity to be served through this activity).
In a separate interview, Dr. Maria Isabel Makinano, Surigao del Norte Assistant Provincial Health Officer, along with Dr. Aldine Morales, Surigao City Health Officer inform PIA of their role in the mission. They said their respective offices support the activity by way of providing manpower in serving the beneficiaries.
In the feeding program, all key provinces and cities were able to deliver the mission achieving 100 percent of its target beneficiaries – thus, achieving the program’s title “100 percent in one day”.
As the activity closed around 4 o’clock in the afternoon, the medical-dental mission team from Surigao City served 420 beneficiaries in the medical and 169 in dental. Meanwhile, 1,000 Surigaonons from all walks of life were also benefitted in the feeding program. Same figure was also noted in Butuan City, Province of Dinagat Islands, Agusan del Sur, and some municipalities of Surigao del Sur.
The simultaneous nationwide medical, dental and feeding program is in line with the PCSO’s 75th anniversary celebration with its mission to continue to “spread the charity virus”. (Robert E. Roperos, PIA-Caraga)
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Hundreds avail of PCSO’s free medical and dental mission
BUTUAN CITY (08 September) – Hundreds flocked to Father Saturnino Urious University (FSUU) gymnasium Sunday (September 6) to avail of the free medical and dental mission of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Some 484 medical patients were consulted and provided with medicines while 67 patients have tooth extraction.
The activity is a nationwide simultaneous event. It aims to highlight the 75th anniversary celebration of PCSO and at the same time increase people’s awareness on PCSO services.
Lolita Lagdo, 44 years old of Barangay Lapu-Lapu, Butuan City profusely thank PCSO for the free medical and dental mission. Lagdo who has nine children says the activity means a lot to her. She said it is a relief to her poverty-ridden situation.
“Nagpasalamat gyud kayo ko ug dako ani kay napakonsulta nako ug libre akong mga anak unya naa pa gyud libre nga tambal dako gud nga tabang sa ako. (I really thank PCSO for the free consultation and medicines. This a great help to my family),” says Mrs. Lagdo.
Mrs. Lagdo brought with her, her three little children, nephew and nieces to take advantage of PCSO’s free medical and dental mission.
PCSO Regional Operations Manager for Mindanao Carlito Kho stressed that PCSO services do not end here today. He said that people can always go to PCSO office for medical assistance.
“This activity is conducted to simply highlight the 75th anniversary of PCSO and as well as increase people’s awareness on PCSO services. But PCSO assistance does not end here today. They can always visit PCSO and we will always be willing to assists them on their medical needs,” explains Kho.
Kho further revealed that those who cannot avail of PCSO services today because of some reasons such as bed-ridden patients, lack of transportation can text PCSO.
To send a text message they just type island/name/address/sickness/contact number and send to 3927276 for smart and 09394095001 for non-smart.
There messages will be forwarded to concern PCSO official in the texter’s respective area so that it can be addressed by the PCSO office nearest them. This text information campaign is valid only today to highlight PCSO’s 75th anniversary.
An estimated 100 volunteers from the Agusan del Norte Medical Society, Butuan Medical Center, 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, ABS-CBN-Butuan and the local government unit of Butuan participated in the activity.
Volunteers include doctors, nurses, uniformed personnel and others. A separate feeding mission is also conducted at Barangay Libertad and Obrero where 1000 malnourished children from the different urban barangays of Butuan City were served with PCSO pospas.
Hon. Jose “Joboy” Aquino and City Councilor Salvador Calo also graced the occasion, during which Congressman Aquino provided financial and medical assistance to one of the patients. (Lovely Laudette Gamba and Zarina Lastra, PIA-Caraga)
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Rotary’s “Adopt a Village Project” gaining headway
Inroads of civic aid presage dev’t. for far-flung Brgy. Nongnong
By: Rtn. Gervacio C. Dauz, Jr.
BUTUAN CITY – Mr. Federico Mendez, Head Teacher of La Soledad Integrated School in Brgy. Nongnong here, woke up earlier than usual this 4th day of September 2009 in preparation for and in anticipation of the visiting R. F. Garcia and Company representatives, Rotary fellows, and Department of Education executives, who have come near and far to grace a rare barangay “big event” slated in his school grounds.
He had reasons to jubilate as the hullabaloo was about the studded turnover ceremony of civic aids under the 3-H Program, which are in line with the Rotary International’s development thrusts.
The Rotary’s 3-H Program actually stands for Health, Hunger, and Humanity intervention endeavors in order “to help the least of our brethren help themselves be alleviated from the brink of helplessness and vulnerability”.
It did not take long for Mr. Mendez, including his co-teachers, the rest of the school children, and many of the barangay people themselves, to become busy attending to their visitors and guests who started to troop at the school grounds.
Then the ribbon cutting for the school building started the opening salvo for the program ahead, with District Governor Antonio Veneracion of District 3860 officiating the affair together with the Honorable City Councilor Benjamin Calo and City Division Superintendent Susan Cuizon of Butuan City.
When the program proper commenced in upbeat rhythm, everyone’s eyes got transfixed on the stage. The turnover ceremony of the evolving “Adopt a Village Project” was pithy but with cadence, and its perceived impact for the constituents moistened the eyes of Brgy. Captain Fe Bella Bajao, who still wondered why, of all places, Brgy. Nongnong found a soft spot in the hearts of the civic-minded visitors and guests. She could only whisper a muted “thank you” for the blessings shared to her barangay.
The Project itself has been gradually realized through an enormous support coming from the Rotary Club of Sebastopol, California in USA (Rotary District 5130) with matching grant from the Rotary Foundation, which summed up to P1,596,465.00. The Philippine counterpart came from the Rotary Club of Metro Butuan and an equal support from its Rotary District 3860, which amounted to P98,000.00. Total Project cost is P1,694,465.00 for the entire package of intervention.
Humanity Component
Under the Humanity Component of the Project, the school in particular and the community in general became the collective beneficiary of educational intervention to improve the literacy level of the school children studying in La Soledad Integrated School. Through this component, the school became a direct recipient of equipment: one sound system with amplifiers, Liquid Crystal Display projector, four computer sets, and two ceiling fans. It received also several fixture and furniture sets like 20 high back chairs, four bookshelves, one long computer table with chair, and two long study tables. On top was the major renovation of its library which underwent repainting, rewiring and installation of new lighting system and fixture, installation of sturdy grills for security reasons and proper ventilation purposes, plus a construction of one internal comfort room.
Side by side with said donation of items for literacy is the “Adopt a School Project” wherein partners from the R. F. Garcia and Company, represented by RF Managing Partner Pete F. Garcia, together with the Rotary Club of Pasay EDSA (RCPE), represented by President Elect (PE) Manny Veluz, came over to witness the laudable event. The duo, in concert with Rotary Club of Metro Butuan, had provided funds and turned over one school building for first year high school students. R. F. Garcia and Company provided the whooping amount of PhP150,000.00 and RCPE contribute the sum of PhP30,000.00, while the rest were shouldered by RCMB.
Hunger Component
Furthermore, under the Hunger Component of the Project, the school has become the steward of livestock animals: five carabaos and five cows. To follow suit as included in the Project package would be 30 goats and 30 pigs. Right now, at least three animal shelters were built in the school compound as shed for the animals.
As for the development scheme, the school – through the school children’s help and with supervision from the Rotary Community Corps and the leadership of the La Soledad Integrated School hierarchy – is tasked to secure and nurture the animals until the same would propagate and multiply. Assuming that the stewardship is successful, the proceeds for said techno-livelihood enterprise would be used as tuition support for the high school students and honoraria for the officers and members of the Rotary Community Corps. The rest of the proceeds will be used as additional support fund for the planned building of additional school room for 2nd year . . . up to the 4th year.
Likewise the school received 50 bolos and 50 axes as tools for the children’s gardening venture.
Health Component
Under this component, the community people themselves got included as part of the beneficiaries. Hence, the community received an intervention package of water system wherein two catchment tanks were constructed in its midst to facilitate the fetching of water by the community people.
Message galore
During his message, President John Uy relayed the sentiment of RCMB to the audience: “What we are doing right now is simply reaping the initial fruit of that passion to serve. After several months, say several years, of development intervention for the school children and community people of Barangay Nongnong, we are now capping what we have done through this dedication, turnover and commitment ceremony with and for our partners, stakeholders, and beneficiaries.”
District Governor Veneracion, on the other hand, pointed out in his keynote message that “this day is for you, people of Brgy. Nongnong; this is not for us Rotarians.” He specifically praised RCMB Charter President Abelardo Garcia, Jr. for “doing the greater part of sacrifice in order to reap the sweetness of success” in said endeavor. And as a parting shot, he stressed: “The best place to do good is to start where we are and with what we have, and to do it together.”
The Hon. City Councilor Benjamin Calo, who himself was once a Rotarian, saluted the integrated support poured by the Rotarians to Brgy. Nongnong, which is “for the upliftment of the lives of the community people.” He indicated that “not all problems of the people can be solved by the government.” That’s why, “the community people should also help in developing their communities through cooperation, collaboration, and communication.” Finally, he said, “in behalf of the City Government of Butuan, I would like to say thank you to our Rotarians for providing the said integrated project.”
According to PE Veluz of RC Pasay EDSA, “we are very much honored and happy for allowing our club to be part of this worthy endeavor.”
Mr. Pete Garcia of R. F. Garcia and Company, who is likewise a Rotarian, was ecstatic because of the warm welcome and reception afforded by the community people in accepting the project. He revealed that his company would be establishing a Foundation and that Brgy. Nongnong has already been included in its radar as one of those communities who would continue to benefit in its mission of pushing education as a tool against poverty.
As a response, Division Superintendent Cuizon profusely thanked the Rotarians for constructing one school room and for providing other educational amenities and equipment, including livelihood components, for the students of La Soledad Integrated School. She perceived the endeavor as just “the beginning of a successful undertaking for the promotion of social, moral, and economic development of our pupils.”
Ms. Nenita Gonzales, Division Chief of the Alternative Learning System in DepEd Caraga, considered the Rotary Clubs as “best partners of DepEd.” She also argued that “with the crop of Rotary Clubs coming our way, DepEd can really make a difference.”
Ms. Melba Gargoles, City District Supervisor, revealed that Brgy. Nongnong used to be identified as a red flag area, because of unabated insurgency problems. But now it is already considered as a white flag area because of the presence and intervention of Rotary. Because of this development, I can really vouch of and be proud of Rotary as a channel of blessings for us in DepEd.”
The Hon. Fe Bella Bajao, Brgy. Captain of Nongnong, likewise shared that the barangay council she headed, together with the parents and school children, has also been a stakeholder of the integrated project being done in the school and the community. At the bottom line, she considered the project as a big help to the barangay. And for this, she heaped praises to the Rotarians.
Head Teacher Federico Mendez, who is a Rotarian and Rotary Community Corps member also, accepted the challenge of protecting and securing the blessings handed over by the Rotarians for the benefit of the school. He said that with the help of his teachers, he will nurture the same to productive endeavors.
Finally, Ms. Concepcion Vasquez, President of the Rotary Community Corps, expressed thanks for the bountiful blessings that have come to the community. As one of the stakeholders, she pledged to likewise take charge and be responsible for the blessings given for the school children and community people.
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MTMA conducts soft launching of massage clinic
By: Rtn. Gervacio C. Dauz, Jr.
BUENAVISTA, AGUSAN DEL NORTE – While many of our countrymen cast a moisten eye on going abroad where jobs could be found and easy money could be sourced out, conservative members of the Modern Tech Massage Association (MTMA) fully believe that the same could be found and sourced out just the same right in one’s community or more specifically here in this place.
Armed with the proper skills, knowledge and experience that they acquired and gained through their short-term training at the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF) here under the Galing Masahista Ako Scholarship Program, the MTMA members conducted a soft launching of their Massage Clinic this 3rd day of September 2009 in Barangay 5 here – believing that better than wage employment is the self-employment done the collective way.
Their launching was witnessed, accompanied and/or supported by the representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Rotary Club of Metro Butuan (RCMB), the Local Government Unit of Buenavista, NMSF, and even by visiting supporters from the Rotary Club of Pasay EDSA and the R. F. Garcia and Company.
It was learned that the MTMA members used to be a ragtag group of individuals, who belong to the first batch of trained masseurs that continued to seek a better avenue of improving their lot. After graduating from NMSF, they sought the help of TESDA about what to do with their acquired or newly enhanced skills. TESDA responded by providing Mr. Gervacio Dauz, Jr. as a focal person to facilitate their desire. With that engagement, they were able to acquire legal personality through the DOLE and were officially recognized under the name Modern Tech Massage Association. Likewise, Mr. Dauz facilitated the drafting of their project proposal for them to be supported in their desire to run a massage clinic here. The same was granted by DOLE to the tune of PhP112,865.00 using the Rotary Club of Metro Butuan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (RCMBMPC) as Accredited Co-Partner (ACP) cum funding conduit.
RCMB President John Uy, during a short program with the MTMA members, urged them to “take cognizance, take charge and take action” in order that the Massage Clinic will be on to a good start. He likewise implored: “For our beloved beneficiaries, it is pretty obvious that the future and sustainability of this Massage Clinic lies in your hands. If you fail to use your hands with passion and dedication in order to excite, delight, soothe, and cure, then there will be no avid clients. If there are no avid clients, it follows that the future – your future – as masseurs or masahistas will appear dim and lifeless. Therefore, cultivate and develop your skills well and nurture your clients with care. . . or else you will just kill the goose that lays the golden egg.”
According to OIC-Provincial Director of TESDA Agusan del Norte, most of the programs being delivered by the government “focus on wage employment in response to the wage market. This MTMA Massage Clinic is one of those few endeavors that focus on creating enterprise and livelihood opportunities at the local market.” And he thanked the Rotary Club of Metro Butuan, through its multi-purpose cooperative, for getting involved in developing and nurturing the skills requirement of the community, thereby giving the masahistas the avenue to earn a living.
District Governor Antonio Veneracion of District 3860 was happy to note in his keynote address that RCMB has gotten involved in skills development and livelihood enterprise. Through this avenue, “Rotary is afforded the opportunity to shine.” He revealed also that at the national level, “TESDA and Rotary have worked hand in hand in promoting skills development through a tie up under the Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Scholarship Program. And our District has responded to the challenge.”
He clarified further that “in Rotary, there’s only one business and that is service. We serve by empowering the community.”
Hon. Eduardo Makiling, Sangguniang Bayan Member here and representing Mayor Chan, fervently shared that “the Local Government Unit of Buenavista is very much thankful to the Rotarians for helping generate a livelihood activity here and for igniting the MTMA members towards a profitable venture.” At the bottom line, in his capacity as the committee head on health in the municipal council, he pledged that “anytime, the Office of the Sangguniang Bayan is open to facilitate the needs of our MTMA members such as supportive legislation and business assistance.”
Provincial Head Genebelle Bal of the DOLE Agusan del Norte revealed that her agency does not approved project proposals and channel funds directly to the project beneficiaries; it uses an Accredited Co-Partner such as the RCMBMPC to endorse proposals and implement projects. She appealed to the beneficiaries “to take good care of your project and to stick to your commitment of using the livelihood support solely for the furtherance of the project.”
In the end, Mr. Josezitho Dalaguan, MTMA Board of Director, committed in behalf of the entire MTMA membership to secure, protect, and nurture the project so that it will be able to help alleviate them from the throes of poverty and become worthy citizens. He mused to his co-members: “This is a dream come true for all of us. At least, now, we can officially start the MTMA Massage Clinic.”
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Feature:
“Adopt a School Project” breezes thru
It takes more than a village . . .
By: Rtn. Gervacio C. Dauz, Jr.
“It takes a village to educate a child” . . . in elementary grades. But when it came to sustaining such educational drive up to high school in the near, foreseeable future, the African Proverb enclosed in quotation is not quite applicable and workable for the school children of Barangay Nongnong in Butuan City, Philippines due to lack of government funds.
The positive twist however is that, for Barangay Nongnong, a new school room – catering to the school children who are going to high school and to include previously out of school youth – have wakened up in the remote, upland location this School Year 2009-2010 courtesy of benevolent organizations. To realize such basic dream for the poor but aspiring children of Barangay Nongnong, funds poured in coming from the R. F. Garcia and Company to the tune of P150,000.00; Rotary Club of Pasay EDSA, P30,000.00; The Rotary Foundation Matching Grant shouldered the amount of 62 new arm chairs; and the rest were equity from the Rotary Club of Metro Butuan (RCMB). The City Government of Butuan had likewise supported the initiative dubbed as “Adopt a School Project” through providing the building plan for such endeavor. Total cost of School Building is PhP300,000.00.
The case itself, though successful, is almost synonymous to “putting the cart ahead of the horse” at a certain point. In the beginning, there were bumpy rides figuratively speaking. While the negotiations for funds to pour in had been going all along, there was actually no imprimatur from the Department of Education (DepEd) that a high school would be opened for Barangay Nongnong because of lack of funds for the construction of school building and the personnel to take charge of such attempt. So, Rotarian Abelardo F. Garcia, Jr., Charter President of RCMB, explained to the entire Barangay Council members of Nongnong about the need to pass a resolution to strongly request the DepEd to open up the high school department in their locality. The resolution was passed in swift tempo to beat the critical deadline. Armed with said resolution, he then appealed to the DepEd to honor the resolution as its content and impetus are in line with the constitutional mandate of the Republic of the Philippines with respect to the inviolable rights of children to have access to basic education. The DepEd responded with dispatch and produced a miracle: it gave the go signal. The barangay government unit, through the initiative of Brgy. Captain Fe Bella Bajao, provided the honorarium of Ms. Reynes Edulsa, the incoming volunteering high school teacher. On top of that, the school was rechristened and metamorphosed from La Soledad Berdera Elementary School into La Soledad Integrated School to accommodate the high school department.
Thus, during the opening of classes in June 2009, at least 62 school children in Barangay Nongnong through an act of faith started to come and study at the newly opened high school, using only a makeshift structure as their “school room”. Several meters away, while they continued with their studies, the echoes of hammering blows, the thunder clap of other tools and equipment, the whirring and whining sound of trucks delivering supplies and materials, and the muffled quandaries of masons, carpenters, and electricians did not deter nor disturb them. For them, the reverberations were a tremulous announcement that their new school room will be realized the soonest. And they failed not in their expectations. This 4th day of September 2009, they became part of the witnesses to the laudable initiative and turnover ceremony of one school room unfolding before their naked eyes.
For Dr. Susan A. Cuizon, Schools Division Superintendent of the DepEd in Butuan City, the pioneering venture was one shining example of collaboration done by civic organizations in concert with the DepEd, the Local Government Unit, and the community people.
According to Charter President Garcia of RCMB, the intervention package was just an opening salvo, a prelude to something greater ahead. He pledged to continue sourcing out funds for the construction of succeeding three more school rooms to be done one room per school year to complete the entire but minimum room requirement, which is from 1st year up to 4th year. The project was initiated by Charter President Garcia during the leadership of Rtn. Godiardo Calo, Immediate Past President of RCMB, and has continued during the reign of Rtn. John Uy, current President of RCMB for Rotary Year 2009-2010 under the theme “The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands”.
The endeavor itself, in concert with other parties involved, is part of Rotary International’s vision, commitment and resolve of helping push back the frontiers of ignorance by lighting the candle of literacy. And Barangay Nongnong is just one of those beneficiary barangays, which received such blessing, considering that under the Rotary radar, it has allowed one Rotary Community Corps – under the spirited leadership of its current President, Ms. Concepcion P. Vasquez – to operate underneath its wings of protection.
At the bottom line, it can be said that indeed, for Barangay Nongnong, it takes more than a village to educate a child. Obviously, it actually takes the global village to educate a child going into high school.
BUTUAN CITY (08 September) – More Caraganons benefitted the simultaneous medical, dental and feeding mission of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) held Sunday, September 6 throughout the country.
In Caraga Region, the activity opened at eight o’clock in the morning in key cities, provinces and municipalities.
Alicia C. Figuracion, 56 years old from Purok 2 Brgy. Capalayan of Surigao City was very happy to receive medicines from personnel of PCSO and the Provincial and City Health Office of Surigao after she was examined by a medical doctor who volunteered to serve the Surigaonons.
The teary-eyed Figuracion is thankful to PCSO as well as to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who leads in spreading the charity virus nationwide. “Talagsa-on gajud kini nga higayon nga gitanyag sa PCSO ug sa Pangulo sa atong nasud – Presidente Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo alang sa mga kabus sama kanako. Mao nga mapasalamaton gayud ako kaniya.” (This is a rare opportunity offered by PCSO and our President – Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the less-privileged like me. So, I am so thankful to her), she said.
Also, 53 year-old Jesima Arnuza of Brgy. Cabongbongan, this city is suffering from diabetes and buying medicines for her maintenance is one of her problems but because of the activity, she was given free medicine. “Dako gyud ang akong pasalamat sa PCSO ug sa atong mahal nga Pangulo Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo kay gitagaan gyud ug higayon ang among dakbayan aron ma-serbisyohan niini nga kalihukan” (I am very much thankful to PCSO and to our President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for giving our city the opportunity to be served through this activity).
In a separate interview, Dr. Maria Isabel Makinano, Surigao del Norte Assistant Provincial Health Officer, along with Dr. Aldine Morales, Surigao City Health Officer inform PIA of their role in the mission. They said their respective offices support the activity by way of providing manpower in serving the beneficiaries.
In the feeding program, all key provinces and cities were able to deliver the mission achieving 100 percent of its target beneficiaries – thus, achieving the program’s title “100 percent in one day”.
As the activity closed around 4 o’clock in the afternoon, the medical-dental mission team from Surigao City served 420 beneficiaries in the medical and 169 in dental. Meanwhile, 1,000 Surigaonons from all walks of life were also benefitted in the feeding program. Same figure was also noted in Butuan City, Province of Dinagat Islands, Agusan del Sur, and some municipalities of Surigao del Sur.
The simultaneous nationwide medical, dental and feeding program is in line with the PCSO’s 75th anniversary celebration with its mission to continue to “spread the charity virus”. (Robert E. Roperos, PIA-Caraga)
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Hundreds avail of PCSO’s free medical and dental mission
BUTUAN CITY (08 September) – Hundreds flocked to Father Saturnino Urious University (FSUU) gymnasium Sunday (September 6) to avail of the free medical and dental mission of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Some 484 medical patients were consulted and provided with medicines while 67 patients have tooth extraction.
The activity is a nationwide simultaneous event. It aims to highlight the 75th anniversary celebration of PCSO and at the same time increase people’s awareness on PCSO services.
Lolita Lagdo, 44 years old of Barangay Lapu-Lapu, Butuan City profusely thank PCSO for the free medical and dental mission. Lagdo who has nine children says the activity means a lot to her. She said it is a relief to her poverty-ridden situation.
“Nagpasalamat gyud kayo ko ug dako ani kay napakonsulta nako ug libre akong mga anak unya naa pa gyud libre nga tambal dako gud nga tabang sa ako. (I really thank PCSO for the free consultation and medicines. This a great help to my family),” says Mrs. Lagdo.
Mrs. Lagdo brought with her, her three little children, nephew and nieces to take advantage of PCSO’s free medical and dental mission.
PCSO Regional Operations Manager for Mindanao Carlito Kho stressed that PCSO services do not end here today. He said that people can always go to PCSO office for medical assistance.
“This activity is conducted to simply highlight the 75th anniversary of PCSO and as well as increase people’s awareness on PCSO services. But PCSO assistance does not end here today. They can always visit PCSO and we will always be willing to assists them on their medical needs,” explains Kho.
Kho further revealed that those who cannot avail of PCSO services today because of some reasons such as bed-ridden patients, lack of transportation can text PCSO.
To send a text message they just type island/name/address/sickness/contact number and send to 3927276 for smart and 09394095001 for non-smart.
There messages will be forwarded to concern PCSO official in the texter’s respective area so that it can be addressed by the PCSO office nearest them. This text information campaign is valid only today to highlight PCSO’s 75th anniversary.
An estimated 100 volunteers from the Agusan del Norte Medical Society, Butuan Medical Center, 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, ABS-CBN-Butuan and the local government unit of Butuan participated in the activity.
Volunteers include doctors, nurses, uniformed personnel and others. A separate feeding mission is also conducted at Barangay Libertad and Obrero where 1000 malnourished children from the different urban barangays of Butuan City were served with PCSO pospas.
Hon. Jose “Joboy” Aquino and City Councilor Salvador Calo also graced the occasion, during which Congressman Aquino provided financial and medical assistance to one of the patients. (Lovely Laudette Gamba and Zarina Lastra, PIA-Caraga)
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Rotary’s “Adopt a Village Project” gaining headway
Inroads of civic aid presage dev’t. for far-flung Brgy. Nongnong
By: Rtn. Gervacio C. Dauz, Jr.
BUTUAN CITY – Mr. Federico Mendez, Head Teacher of La Soledad Integrated School in Brgy. Nongnong here, woke up earlier than usual this 4th day of September 2009 in preparation for and in anticipation of the visiting R. F. Garcia and Company representatives, Rotary fellows, and Department of Education executives, who have come near and far to grace a rare barangay “big event” slated in his school grounds.
He had reasons to jubilate as the hullabaloo was about the studded turnover ceremony of civic aids under the 3-H Program, which are in line with the Rotary International’s development thrusts.
The Rotary’s 3-H Program actually stands for Health, Hunger, and Humanity intervention endeavors in order “to help the least of our brethren help themselves be alleviated from the brink of helplessness and vulnerability”.
It did not take long for Mr. Mendez, including his co-teachers, the rest of the school children, and many of the barangay people themselves, to become busy attending to their visitors and guests who started to troop at the school grounds.
Then the ribbon cutting for the school building started the opening salvo for the program ahead, with District Governor Antonio Veneracion of District 3860 officiating the affair together with the Honorable City Councilor Benjamin Calo and City Division Superintendent Susan Cuizon of Butuan City.
When the program proper commenced in upbeat rhythm, everyone’s eyes got transfixed on the stage. The turnover ceremony of the evolving “Adopt a Village Project” was pithy but with cadence, and its perceived impact for the constituents moistened the eyes of Brgy. Captain Fe Bella Bajao, who still wondered why, of all places, Brgy. Nongnong found a soft spot in the hearts of the civic-minded visitors and guests. She could only whisper a muted “thank you” for the blessings shared to her barangay.
The Project itself has been gradually realized through an enormous support coming from the Rotary Club of Sebastopol, California in USA (Rotary District 5130) with matching grant from the Rotary Foundation, which summed up to P1,596,465.00. The Philippine counterpart came from the Rotary Club of Metro Butuan and an equal support from its Rotary District 3860, which amounted to P98,000.00. Total Project cost is P1,694,465.00 for the entire package of intervention.
Humanity Component
Under the Humanity Component of the Project, the school in particular and the community in general became the collective beneficiary of educational intervention to improve the literacy level of the school children studying in La Soledad Integrated School. Through this component, the school became a direct recipient of equipment: one sound system with amplifiers, Liquid Crystal Display projector, four computer sets, and two ceiling fans. It received also several fixture and furniture sets like 20 high back chairs, four bookshelves, one long computer table with chair, and two long study tables. On top was the major renovation of its library which underwent repainting, rewiring and installation of new lighting system and fixture, installation of sturdy grills for security reasons and proper ventilation purposes, plus a construction of one internal comfort room.
Side by side with said donation of items for literacy is the “Adopt a School Project” wherein partners from the R. F. Garcia and Company, represented by RF Managing Partner Pete F. Garcia, together with the Rotary Club of Pasay EDSA (RCPE), represented by President Elect (PE) Manny Veluz, came over to witness the laudable event. The duo, in concert with Rotary Club of Metro Butuan, had provided funds and turned over one school building for first year high school students. R. F. Garcia and Company provided the whooping amount of PhP150,000.00 and RCPE contribute the sum of PhP30,000.00, while the rest were shouldered by RCMB.
Hunger Component
Furthermore, under the Hunger Component of the Project, the school has become the steward of livestock animals: five carabaos and five cows. To follow suit as included in the Project package would be 30 goats and 30 pigs. Right now, at least three animal shelters were built in the school compound as shed for the animals.
As for the development scheme, the school – through the school children’s help and with supervision from the Rotary Community Corps and the leadership of the La Soledad Integrated School hierarchy – is tasked to secure and nurture the animals until the same would propagate and multiply. Assuming that the stewardship is successful, the proceeds for said techno-livelihood enterprise would be used as tuition support for the high school students and honoraria for the officers and members of the Rotary Community Corps. The rest of the proceeds will be used as additional support fund for the planned building of additional school room for 2nd year . . . up to the 4th year.
Likewise the school received 50 bolos and 50 axes as tools for the children’s gardening venture.
Health Component
Under this component, the community people themselves got included as part of the beneficiaries. Hence, the community received an intervention package of water system wherein two catchment tanks were constructed in its midst to facilitate the fetching of water by the community people.
Message galore
During his message, President John Uy relayed the sentiment of RCMB to the audience: “What we are doing right now is simply reaping the initial fruit of that passion to serve. After several months, say several years, of development intervention for the school children and community people of Barangay Nongnong, we are now capping what we have done through this dedication, turnover and commitment ceremony with and for our partners, stakeholders, and beneficiaries.”
District Governor Veneracion, on the other hand, pointed out in his keynote message that “this day is for you, people of Brgy. Nongnong; this is not for us Rotarians.” He specifically praised RCMB Charter President Abelardo Garcia, Jr. for “doing the greater part of sacrifice in order to reap the sweetness of success” in said endeavor. And as a parting shot, he stressed: “The best place to do good is to start where we are and with what we have, and to do it together.”
The Hon. City Councilor Benjamin Calo, who himself was once a Rotarian, saluted the integrated support poured by the Rotarians to Brgy. Nongnong, which is “for the upliftment of the lives of the community people.” He indicated that “not all problems of the people can be solved by the government.” That’s why, “the community people should also help in developing their communities through cooperation, collaboration, and communication.” Finally, he said, “in behalf of the City Government of Butuan, I would like to say thank you to our Rotarians for providing the said integrated project.”
According to PE Veluz of RC Pasay EDSA, “we are very much honored and happy for allowing our club to be part of this worthy endeavor.”
Mr. Pete Garcia of R. F. Garcia and Company, who is likewise a Rotarian, was ecstatic because of the warm welcome and reception afforded by the community people in accepting the project. He revealed that his company would be establishing a Foundation and that Brgy. Nongnong has already been included in its radar as one of those communities who would continue to benefit in its mission of pushing education as a tool against poverty.
As a response, Division Superintendent Cuizon profusely thanked the Rotarians for constructing one school room and for providing other educational amenities and equipment, including livelihood components, for the students of La Soledad Integrated School. She perceived the endeavor as just “the beginning of a successful undertaking for the promotion of social, moral, and economic development of our pupils.”
Ms. Nenita Gonzales, Division Chief of the Alternative Learning System in DepEd Caraga, considered the Rotary Clubs as “best partners of DepEd.” She also argued that “with the crop of Rotary Clubs coming our way, DepEd can really make a difference.”
Ms. Melba Gargoles, City District Supervisor, revealed that Brgy. Nongnong used to be identified as a red flag area, because of unabated insurgency problems. But now it is already considered as a white flag area because of the presence and intervention of Rotary. Because of this development, I can really vouch of and be proud of Rotary as a channel of blessings for us in DepEd.”
The Hon. Fe Bella Bajao, Brgy. Captain of Nongnong, likewise shared that the barangay council she headed, together with the parents and school children, has also been a stakeholder of the integrated project being done in the school and the community. At the bottom line, she considered the project as a big help to the barangay. And for this, she heaped praises to the Rotarians.
Head Teacher Federico Mendez, who is a Rotarian and Rotary Community Corps member also, accepted the challenge of protecting and securing the blessings handed over by the Rotarians for the benefit of the school. He said that with the help of his teachers, he will nurture the same to productive endeavors.
Finally, Ms. Concepcion Vasquez, President of the Rotary Community Corps, expressed thanks for the bountiful blessings that have come to the community. As one of the stakeholders, she pledged to likewise take charge and be responsible for the blessings given for the school children and community people.
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MTMA conducts soft launching of massage clinic
By: Rtn. Gervacio C. Dauz, Jr.
BUENAVISTA, AGUSAN DEL NORTE – While many of our countrymen cast a moisten eye on going abroad where jobs could be found and easy money could be sourced out, conservative members of the Modern Tech Massage Association (MTMA) fully believe that the same could be found and sourced out just the same right in one’s community or more specifically here in this place.
Armed with the proper skills, knowledge and experience that they acquired and gained through their short-term training at the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF) here under the Galing Masahista Ako Scholarship Program, the MTMA members conducted a soft launching of their Massage Clinic this 3rd day of September 2009 in Barangay 5 here – believing that better than wage employment is the self-employment done the collective way.
Their launching was witnessed, accompanied and/or supported by the representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Rotary Club of Metro Butuan (RCMB), the Local Government Unit of Buenavista, NMSF, and even by visiting supporters from the Rotary Club of Pasay EDSA and the R. F. Garcia and Company.
It was learned that the MTMA members used to be a ragtag group of individuals, who belong to the first batch of trained masseurs that continued to seek a better avenue of improving their lot. After graduating from NMSF, they sought the help of TESDA about what to do with their acquired or newly enhanced skills. TESDA responded by providing Mr. Gervacio Dauz, Jr. as a focal person to facilitate their desire. With that engagement, they were able to acquire legal personality through the DOLE and were officially recognized under the name Modern Tech Massage Association. Likewise, Mr. Dauz facilitated the drafting of their project proposal for them to be supported in their desire to run a massage clinic here. The same was granted by DOLE to the tune of PhP112,865.00 using the Rotary Club of Metro Butuan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (RCMBMPC) as Accredited Co-Partner (ACP) cum funding conduit.
RCMB President John Uy, during a short program with the MTMA members, urged them to “take cognizance, take charge and take action” in order that the Massage Clinic will be on to a good start. He likewise implored: “For our beloved beneficiaries, it is pretty obvious that the future and sustainability of this Massage Clinic lies in your hands. If you fail to use your hands with passion and dedication in order to excite, delight, soothe, and cure, then there will be no avid clients. If there are no avid clients, it follows that the future – your future – as masseurs or masahistas will appear dim and lifeless. Therefore, cultivate and develop your skills well and nurture your clients with care. . . or else you will just kill the goose that lays the golden egg.”
According to OIC-Provincial Director of TESDA Agusan del Norte, most of the programs being delivered by the government “focus on wage employment in response to the wage market. This MTMA Massage Clinic is one of those few endeavors that focus on creating enterprise and livelihood opportunities at the local market.” And he thanked the Rotary Club of Metro Butuan, through its multi-purpose cooperative, for getting involved in developing and nurturing the skills requirement of the community, thereby giving the masahistas the avenue to earn a living.
District Governor Antonio Veneracion of District 3860 was happy to note in his keynote address that RCMB has gotten involved in skills development and livelihood enterprise. Through this avenue, “Rotary is afforded the opportunity to shine.” He revealed also that at the national level, “TESDA and Rotary have worked hand in hand in promoting skills development through a tie up under the Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Scholarship Program. And our District has responded to the challenge.”
He clarified further that “in Rotary, there’s only one business and that is service. We serve by empowering the community.”
Hon. Eduardo Makiling, Sangguniang Bayan Member here and representing Mayor Chan, fervently shared that “the Local Government Unit of Buenavista is very much thankful to the Rotarians for helping generate a livelihood activity here and for igniting the MTMA members towards a profitable venture.” At the bottom line, in his capacity as the committee head on health in the municipal council, he pledged that “anytime, the Office of the Sangguniang Bayan is open to facilitate the needs of our MTMA members such as supportive legislation and business assistance.”
Provincial Head Genebelle Bal of the DOLE Agusan del Norte revealed that her agency does not approved project proposals and channel funds directly to the project beneficiaries; it uses an Accredited Co-Partner such as the RCMBMPC to endorse proposals and implement projects. She appealed to the beneficiaries “to take good care of your project and to stick to your commitment of using the livelihood support solely for the furtherance of the project.”
In the end, Mr. Josezitho Dalaguan, MTMA Board of Director, committed in behalf of the entire MTMA membership to secure, protect, and nurture the project so that it will be able to help alleviate them from the throes of poverty and become worthy citizens. He mused to his co-members: “This is a dream come true for all of us. At least, now, we can officially start the MTMA Massage Clinic.”
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Feature:
“Adopt a School Project” breezes thru
It takes more than a village . . .
By: Rtn. Gervacio C. Dauz, Jr.
“It takes a village to educate a child” . . . in elementary grades. But when it came to sustaining such educational drive up to high school in the near, foreseeable future, the African Proverb enclosed in quotation is not quite applicable and workable for the school children of Barangay Nongnong in Butuan City, Philippines due to lack of government funds.
The positive twist however is that, for Barangay Nongnong, a new school room – catering to the school children who are going to high school and to include previously out of school youth – have wakened up in the remote, upland location this School Year 2009-2010 courtesy of benevolent organizations. To realize such basic dream for the poor but aspiring children of Barangay Nongnong, funds poured in coming from the R. F. Garcia and Company to the tune of P150,000.00; Rotary Club of Pasay EDSA, P30,000.00; The Rotary Foundation Matching Grant shouldered the amount of 62 new arm chairs; and the rest were equity from the Rotary Club of Metro Butuan (RCMB). The City Government of Butuan had likewise supported the initiative dubbed as “Adopt a School Project” through providing the building plan for such endeavor. Total cost of School Building is PhP300,000.00.
The case itself, though successful, is almost synonymous to “putting the cart ahead of the horse” at a certain point. In the beginning, there were bumpy rides figuratively speaking. While the negotiations for funds to pour in had been going all along, there was actually no imprimatur from the Department of Education (DepEd) that a high school would be opened for Barangay Nongnong because of lack of funds for the construction of school building and the personnel to take charge of such attempt. So, Rotarian Abelardo F. Garcia, Jr., Charter President of RCMB, explained to the entire Barangay Council members of Nongnong about the need to pass a resolution to strongly request the DepEd to open up the high school department in their locality. The resolution was passed in swift tempo to beat the critical deadline. Armed with said resolution, he then appealed to the DepEd to honor the resolution as its content and impetus are in line with the constitutional mandate of the Republic of the Philippines with respect to the inviolable rights of children to have access to basic education. The DepEd responded with dispatch and produced a miracle: it gave the go signal. The barangay government unit, through the initiative of Brgy. Captain Fe Bella Bajao, provided the honorarium of Ms. Reynes Edulsa, the incoming volunteering high school teacher. On top of that, the school was rechristened and metamorphosed from La Soledad Berdera Elementary School into La Soledad Integrated School to accommodate the high school department.
Thus, during the opening of classes in June 2009, at least 62 school children in Barangay Nongnong through an act of faith started to come and study at the newly opened high school, using only a makeshift structure as their “school room”. Several meters away, while they continued with their studies, the echoes of hammering blows, the thunder clap of other tools and equipment, the whirring and whining sound of trucks delivering supplies and materials, and the muffled quandaries of masons, carpenters, and electricians did not deter nor disturb them. For them, the reverberations were a tremulous announcement that their new school room will be realized the soonest. And they failed not in their expectations. This 4th day of September 2009, they became part of the witnesses to the laudable initiative and turnover ceremony of one school room unfolding before their naked eyes.
For Dr. Susan A. Cuizon, Schools Division Superintendent of the DepEd in Butuan City, the pioneering venture was one shining example of collaboration done by civic organizations in concert with the DepEd, the Local Government Unit, and the community people.
According to Charter President Garcia of RCMB, the intervention package was just an opening salvo, a prelude to something greater ahead. He pledged to continue sourcing out funds for the construction of succeeding three more school rooms to be done one room per school year to complete the entire but minimum room requirement, which is from 1st year up to 4th year. The project was initiated by Charter President Garcia during the leadership of Rtn. Godiardo Calo, Immediate Past President of RCMB, and has continued during the reign of Rtn. John Uy, current President of RCMB for Rotary Year 2009-2010 under the theme “The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands”.
The endeavor itself, in concert with other parties involved, is part of Rotary International’s vision, commitment and resolve of helping push back the frontiers of ignorance by lighting the candle of literacy. And Barangay Nongnong is just one of those beneficiary barangays, which received such blessing, considering that under the Rotary radar, it has allowed one Rotary Community Corps – under the spirited leadership of its current President, Ms. Concepcion P. Vasquez – to operate underneath its wings of protection.
At the bottom line, it can be said that indeed, for Barangay Nongnong, it takes more than a village to educate a child. Obviously, it actually takes the global village to educate a child going into high school.
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Bayabas joined PCSO “100% in One Day” - Simultaneous Medical and Dental Mission
BAYABAS, SURIGAO DEL SUR (September 8) - Municipality of Bayabas this province joined the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) in their “100% in One Day,” a simultaneous medical and dental mission recently.
The activity was held at Rural Health Center and was started at around 8:15 in the morning and ended at around 7:00 in the evening.
For medical general check-up and dental extraction it was the Municipal Health Officer (MHO) Carmelyn Madronio and the Dentist assigned in the area who facilitated the 140 patients in the one day activity.
MHO Dra. Madronio said, because of the previous plan that it was a simultaneous province wide activity all Doctors were busy preparing in their respective areas. Therefore, Bayabas MHO is not able to invite them due to a conflict of schedule.
She also said, because of the shorter time and lack of Medical Doctors to accommodate all the patients in one day, the tooth extraction is still on going today for patients who were already listed last Sunday.
According to the report, 110 patients were accommodated for medical check-up, and 30 patients’ for Dental extraction, excluding patients to be accommodated this day.
The simultaneous event of PCSO was part of its celebration of “75 years of spreading the charity virus. (Nida Grace B. Tranquilan, PIA-Surigao del Sur)
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GSIS-STI Grants marks successful pilot with 184 scholars
GSIS-STI Grants, a joint project of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and leading ICT and ICT-enhanced provider STI, has given this first semester of school-year 2009-2010 more than P500, 000 in partial scholarship grants to 184 students semester.
The tie-up, which piloted in May 2009, offers a 20-percent scholarship grant in tuition and laboratory fees to all qualified relatives of GSIS members and pensioners if they enroll as incoming freshmen in any STI campus nationwide.
The same educational benefit is also offered to all GSIS members.
To avail of the partial scholarship grant, GSIS members and qualified relatives need to present to STI the GSIS eCard Plus, subject to verification.
“We are happy that we helped more than 100 students pursue their college education and become scholars of STI. They can continue being so until they graduate if they continue to do well in school,” GSIS President and General Manager Winston F. Garcia said.
GSIS members and qualified relatives can continue to benefit from the 20 percent scholarship grant in the succeeding semesters until they have graduated from their chosen field, provided that they continue to meet the required standards and qualifications of the STI Scholarship Guidelines. STI scholars are required to maintain a General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 2.25 or its equivalent of 83 percent to 85 percent with no grades lower than 2.5.
In addition, scholars should not obtain a failing grade or absence without official leave (AWOL) in any subject; must not be dismissed, warned or held on probation due to scholastic delinquency; should not have any disciplinary offense, and must take a full load course for each semester as prescribed in the STI curriculum, excluding the National Service Training Program.
Apart from the partial scholarship grant, GSIS-STI Grants also offers job assistance through Global Resource for Outsourced Workers, Inc. (GROW).
GROW, a POEA-licensed placement company, and a member of the STI Education Services Group, will provide assistance in securing employment for members and qualified relatives of GSIS who have successfully graduated from their courses in their chosen STI schools.
“We want nothing more but to provide quality education to our children and job opportunities when they graduate from college. Now, our members, pensioners, and their dependents, are assured of that dream, with the help of GSIS-STI Grants,” Mr. Garcia said.
STI has a network of more than 100 campuses nationwide with academic programs in ICT, Business and Management, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Engineering and Healthcare.
Of the 184 students that availed of GSIS-STI Grants, 51 enrolled in various STI College campuses in Metro Manila, 27 in Northern Luzon, 37 in Southern Luzon, 26 in Visayas, and 43 in Mindanao.
These campuses include STI College Caloocan, STI College Fairview, STI College Makati, STI San Jose, Nueva Ecija, STI College Tugegarao, STI Naga, STI Antique, STI College Ormoc, STI College Cotabato, and STI College General Santos, among others.
“We are looking forward to giving more educational assistance to more qualified relatives of our members and pensioners. We are also happy that we have found a good partner to do this,” Mr. Garcia added. (GSIS)
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GSIS reminds pensioners to renew active status to avoid suspension of pension
The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is reminding its old-age and survivorship pensioners, whose birthday falls within September, to renew their active status this month to avoid suspension of their monthly pension.
The state pension fund is requiring its pensioners to renew their active status as GSIS pensioners every year, anytime during their birth month, to ensure the continuous receipt of their monthly pension. Should they fail to do so, their monthly pension will be suspended and their pension will resume only after they have complied.
For old-age pensioners, if at the time of declaration by the GSIS of any pension increase and cash gift they are under suspended status, they will not be entitled to the said privileges.
To renew their active status, pensioners must go to the nearest GSIS servicing office or the nearest government establishment installed with a GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System kiosk or G-W@PS kiosk on their birth month.
Then, they must place their eCard Plus on the card reader of the kiosk. Afterwards, they must choose the “Annual Reporting” icon using the kiosk’s touch screen and then select any pre-registered finger. Finally, they must lightly scan their finger using the fingerprint scanner of the kiosk to complete the process. (GSIS)
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GSIS reminds pensioners to renew active status to avoid suspension of pension
The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is reminding its old-age and survivorship pensioners, whose birthday falls within September, to renew their active status this month to avoid suspension of their monthly pension.
The state pension fund is requiring its pensioners to renew their active status as GSIS pensioners every year, anytime during their birth month, to ensure the continuous receipt of their monthly pension. Should they fail to do so, their monthly pension will be suspended and their pension will resume only after they have complied.
For old-age pensioners, if at the time of declaration by the GSIS of any pension increase and cash gift they are under suspended status, they will not be entitled to the said privileges.
To renew their active status, pensioners must go to the nearest GSIS servicing office or the nearest government establishment installed with a GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System kiosk or G-W@PS kiosk on their birth month.
Then, they must place their eCard Plus on the card reader of the kiosk. Afterwards, they must choose the “Annual Reporting” icon using the kiosk’s touch screen and then select any pre-registered finger. Finally, they must lightly scan their finger using the fingerprint scanner of the kiosk to complete the process. (GSIS)
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POLICE REPORTS
By PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania; PO3 Philip Amer Posas Mazo
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Report on the recovered stolen items
On September 26, 2009 at about 6:00 in the morning at New Bataan Police Station, PNP elements of Theft and Robbery Unit of Butuan City Police Office (TRU BCPO) led by SPO3 Anthony Gomez, SPO1 Wilson Ejos Jr, SPO1 Jay Calo and PO3 Neil Egay conducted follow-up investigation on a reported robbery incident that transpired on August 28, 2009 at 7:53 in the morning victimizing Unicity, Butuan City Branch wherein perpetrator gained entrance by destroying the ceiling of the Manager's Office and took cash money amounting to more or less Php 400,000.00 in different denominations and assorted jewelries worth Php 200,00.00.
The suspect was identified as one Vivencio Intino Cinco, 18 years old, residence of Fatima, New Bataan, Comval Province. As a result, the suspect accompanied by his father Vivencio Cinco Sr voluntarily surrendered to the elements of TRU BCPO and turned over cash money amounting to Php 4,000.00, assorted fancy jewelries, one unit Nokia 3120 cellphone and one maong pants.
Suspect was brought to Butuan City Police Office for further investigation while appropriate case is being prepared for filing in court. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Report on robbery incident
On September 4, 2009 around 10:45 in the morning, the People's Bank of Cabadbaran at FC Dagani St., Barangay 5, Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte was robbed by three unidentified suspects. The robbers armed with caliber .45 pistols were wearing helmet and bonnet who gained entry at the main door of said establishment and at gun point disarmed the security guard on duty of his issued .38 caliber revolver and declared the hold-up.
Suspects took away cash money worth Php 201,426.96 from the small portable vault. Said establishment was a satellite office of Peoples Bank of Caraga which deals on the loan, collection and disbursement point as Micro-Financing Center.
Suspects fled to unknown direction on board a blue Honda XRM and a Yamaha DT motorcycles. Suspects were wearing white t-shirts and one has black jacket during the incident.
A SOCO Team conducted on scene investigation and PNP elements of Cabadbaran Municipal Police Station conducted follow-up investigation and pursuit operation for the possible arrest of the suspects. Flash alarm was sent to all PNP units in PRO 13 and checkpoints had been set up for the possible interception and arrest of the suspects. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Recovery of explosive devices
On September 3, 2009 at Sitio Tabon, Barangay Amontay, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte at 4:30 in the m0rning, joint operation conducted by Regional Intelligence (RIO) led by PSUPT Samuel C Nacion and 1401st PPMG led by PSINSP Nelson Nelmida which resulted to the recovery of four dynamite sticks marked with "Superdyn Explosives, 25 MM X 125 grams and manufactured by gulf oil corporation Ltd, Rourkela".
Said dynamites were found buried under a coconut tree. Recovered explosives are now under the custody of PO2 Mike Soberano, EOD personnel of Agusan del Norte PPO for proper disposition.
Investigation is also being undertaken to determine who buried the dynamites and what their purpose are. Progress report to follow. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
PNP arrests wanted persons
On September 1, 2009 at 2:00 in the afternoon at Barangay Kahayagan, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, a certain Ricky Hallasco, 28 years old, single, jobless and residents of said place was arrested by PNP elements of Tagbina Municipal Police Station led by PINSP Wilfredo A Templanza by virtue of warrant of arrest (WOA) issued by Hon Judge Hector Salise of RTC Branch 7, Bayugan, Agusan del Sur dated September 9, 2008 for act of lasciviousness docketed under CC no. 2796 with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 36,000.00 and carnapping docketed under CC no. 2803 with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 180,000.00.
Arrested person is now detained at Tagbina Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
Also, on September 2, 2009 at 11:30 in the morning, one Jose Rullyn Podtibedra Anuncio, of legal age, married and resident of Barangay Buntalid, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur was arrested by SPO1 Nilo Tranquilan Bontor, Warrant server of Cantilan Municipal Police Station by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Vicente M Luna Jr of RTC Branch 40, Tandag, Surigao del Sur docketed under CC no. 5322 for violation of RA 9262 with fixed bailbond of Php 12,000.00.
Arrested person was brought to Cantilan Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
On September 3, 2009 around 9:30 in the evening at Purok-2 Barangay Batucan, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, Marlon Erong Olasiman, 23 years old, single, jobless and a resident of the above-mentioned place was arrested by PNP elements of Talacogon Municipal Police Station led by PI Lloyd Mercado by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Dante Luz Viacrusis of RTC branch 6 for the crime of Rape docketed under Criminal Case no. 2483 with no bail bond recommended.
Said person is now under custody of Talacogon Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
On September 4, 2009 around 4:00 PM, joint elements of Dinagat Municipal Police Station led by PI Peter Paul Manatad and Surigao City Police Station conducted a joint operation at Barangay Togbongon, Surigao City which resulted to the arrest of Janice Rosales Delgado of legal age, married and a resident of Barangay Togbongon by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Evangeline Yuipco Bayana of RTC branch 32, 10th Judicial Region, Surigao City dated 4 September 2009.
The case was docketed under CC no. 1199 for Theft with Php 40,000.00 recommended bail bond. Delgado is now temporarily detained at Surigao City Police Station for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Report on illegal logging
PNP personnel of Lianga Municipal Police Station led by PINSP Christian Lipke Rafols II, Chief of Police intercepted one ten wheeler truck loaded with illegally cut sawn lawaan lumbers with an estimated volume of 8,100 Board Feet on September 2, 2009 at 7:30 in the morning at Barangay Anibongan, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.
The truck and lawaan lumbers were brought to Lianga Municipal Police Station for proper disposition and subsequent turn over to CENRO, Lianga, Surigao del Sur. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Report on illegal fishing
On September 1, 2009 at 12:30 in the morning, PNP personnel from Lanuza Municipal Police Station led by PO2 Ronal Kent C Abis conducted seaborne patrol within the municipal waters of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur which resulted to the apprehension of one unit fishing boat owned by Nicolas Copina of Barangay Embarcadero, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur.
The fishing boat actually caught engaged in illegal fishing using fishing gear locally know as "surit-surit". Said boat was manned by Ernesto M Tuyor, 50 years old; Rene R Tuyor, 28 years old and Renan Bucalon, 18 years old.
The Fishing Boat was docked at Barangay Zone 1 of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur while suspects were brought to Lanuza Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
Violation of Art 5, Section 9 of Lanuza Bay Ordinance Number 01, Series of 2004 is being prepared for filing in court. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
POLICE REPORTS
By PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania; PO3 Philip Amer Posas Mazo
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Report on the recovered stolen items
On September 26, 2009 at about 6:00 in the morning at New Bataan Police Station, PNP elements of Theft and Robbery Unit of Butuan City Police Office (TRU BCPO) led by SPO3 Anthony Gomez, SPO1 Wilson Ejos Jr, SPO1 Jay Calo and PO3 Neil Egay conducted follow-up investigation on a reported robbery incident that transpired on August 28, 2009 at 7:53 in the morning victimizing Unicity, Butuan City Branch wherein perpetrator gained entrance by destroying the ceiling of the Manager's Office and took cash money amounting to more or less Php 400,000.00 in different denominations and assorted jewelries worth Php 200,00.00.
The suspect was identified as one Vivencio Intino Cinco, 18 years old, residence of Fatima, New Bataan, Comval Province. As a result, the suspect accompanied by his father Vivencio Cinco Sr voluntarily surrendered to the elements of TRU BCPO and turned over cash money amounting to Php 4,000.00, assorted fancy jewelries, one unit Nokia 3120 cellphone and one maong pants.
Suspect was brought to Butuan City Police Office for further investigation while appropriate case is being prepared for filing in court. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Report on robbery incident
On September 4, 2009 around 10:45 in the morning, the People's Bank of Cabadbaran at FC Dagani St., Barangay 5, Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte was robbed by three unidentified suspects. The robbers armed with caliber .45 pistols were wearing helmet and bonnet who gained entry at the main door of said establishment and at gun point disarmed the security guard on duty of his issued .38 caliber revolver and declared the hold-up.
Suspects took away cash money worth Php 201,426.96 from the small portable vault. Said establishment was a satellite office of Peoples Bank of Caraga which deals on the loan, collection and disbursement point as Micro-Financing Center.
Suspects fled to unknown direction on board a blue Honda XRM and a Yamaha DT motorcycles. Suspects were wearing white t-shirts and one has black jacket during the incident.
A SOCO Team conducted on scene investigation and PNP elements of Cabadbaran Municipal Police Station conducted follow-up investigation and pursuit operation for the possible arrest of the suspects. Flash alarm was sent to all PNP units in PRO 13 and checkpoints had been set up for the possible interception and arrest of the suspects. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Recovery of explosive devices
On September 3, 2009 at Sitio Tabon, Barangay Amontay, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte at 4:30 in the m0rning, joint operation conducted by Regional Intelligence (RIO) led by PSUPT Samuel C Nacion and 1401st PPMG led by PSINSP Nelson Nelmida which resulted to the recovery of four dynamite sticks marked with "Superdyn Explosives, 25 MM X 125 grams and manufactured by gulf oil corporation Ltd, Rourkela".
Said dynamites were found buried under a coconut tree. Recovered explosives are now under the custody of PO2 Mike Soberano, EOD personnel of Agusan del Norte PPO for proper disposition.
Investigation is also being undertaken to determine who buried the dynamites and what their purpose are. Progress report to follow. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
PNP arrests wanted persons
On September 1, 2009 at 2:00 in the afternoon at Barangay Kahayagan, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, a certain Ricky Hallasco, 28 years old, single, jobless and residents of said place was arrested by PNP elements of Tagbina Municipal Police Station led by PINSP Wilfredo A Templanza by virtue of warrant of arrest (WOA) issued by Hon Judge Hector Salise of RTC Branch 7, Bayugan, Agusan del Sur dated September 9, 2008 for act of lasciviousness docketed under CC no. 2796 with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 36,000.00 and carnapping docketed under CC no. 2803 with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 180,000.00.
Arrested person is now detained at Tagbina Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
Also, on September 2, 2009 at 11:30 in the morning, one Jose Rullyn Podtibedra Anuncio, of legal age, married and resident of Barangay Buntalid, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur was arrested by SPO1 Nilo Tranquilan Bontor, Warrant server of Cantilan Municipal Police Station by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Vicente M Luna Jr of RTC Branch 40, Tandag, Surigao del Sur docketed under CC no. 5322 for violation of RA 9262 with fixed bailbond of Php 12,000.00.
Arrested person was brought to Cantilan Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
On September 3, 2009 around 9:30 in the evening at Purok-2 Barangay Batucan, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, Marlon Erong Olasiman, 23 years old, single, jobless and a resident of the above-mentioned place was arrested by PNP elements of Talacogon Municipal Police Station led by PI Lloyd Mercado by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Dante Luz Viacrusis of RTC branch 6 for the crime of Rape docketed under Criminal Case no. 2483 with no bail bond recommended.
Said person is now under custody of Talacogon Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
On September 4, 2009 around 4:00 PM, joint elements of Dinagat Municipal Police Station led by PI Peter Paul Manatad and Surigao City Police Station conducted a joint operation at Barangay Togbongon, Surigao City which resulted to the arrest of Janice Rosales Delgado of legal age, married and a resident of Barangay Togbongon by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Evangeline Yuipco Bayana of RTC branch 32, 10th Judicial Region, Surigao City dated 4 September 2009.
The case was docketed under CC no. 1199 for Theft with Php 40,000.00 recommended bail bond. Delgado is now temporarily detained at Surigao City Police Station for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Report on illegal logging
PNP personnel of Lianga Municipal Police Station led by PINSP Christian Lipke Rafols II, Chief of Police intercepted one ten wheeler truck loaded with illegally cut sawn lawaan lumbers with an estimated volume of 8,100 Board Feet on September 2, 2009 at 7:30 in the morning at Barangay Anibongan, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.
The truck and lawaan lumbers were brought to Lianga Municipal Police Station for proper disposition and subsequent turn over to CENRO, Lianga, Surigao del Sur. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Report on illegal fishing
On September 1, 2009 at 12:30 in the morning, PNP personnel from Lanuza Municipal Police Station led by PO2 Ronal Kent C Abis conducted seaborne patrol within the municipal waters of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur which resulted to the apprehension of one unit fishing boat owned by Nicolas Copina of Barangay Embarcadero, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur.
The fishing boat actually caught engaged in illegal fishing using fishing gear locally know as "surit-surit". Said boat was manned by Ernesto M Tuyor, 50 years old; Rene R Tuyor, 28 years old and Renan Bucalon, 18 years old.
The Fishing Boat was docked at Barangay Zone 1 of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur while suspects were brought to Lanuza Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
Violation of Art 5, Section 9 of Lanuza Bay Ordinance Number 01, Series of 2004 is being prepared for filing in court. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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Initial report on encounter
On September 6, 2009 at 2:00 in the morning, joint team of 26 IB, 23 IB and 402nd Brigade of Philippine Army encountered Communist Terrorists (CTs) believed to be members of FC 34 SMRC at Sitio Cabuga, Barangay Sta Teresa, Loreto, Agusan del Sur.
No reported casualty on the government side while four killed on the enemy side. Firearms recovered from the area were six m16 rifles, one m203, one shotgun, one cal .38 and one garrand rifle. Progress report to follow. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Report on loose firearms
One SSGT Samuel Pangandoyon Locop, member of 36 IB, Phil Army based at Sitio Bingcongan, Barangay Bigaan, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur and designated as team leader of Special Operation Team (SOT) while conducting checkpoint on September 2, 2009 6:00 in the morning at said place apprehended a certain Mateo Nasis Montesa, of legal age, married, resident of Sitio Sta Cruz, Barangay Sanyata, Bislig City, connected with Bislig-Barobo-Hinatuan-Lingig-Tagbina (BIBAHILITA) Organization as deputized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Office.
Subject person while riding a motorcycle flagged down by the checkpoint of SOT personnel and found out in his possession one unit revolver cal .38 paltik with serial no. 590196 with five live ammos.
Upon verification, no pertinent documents he presented. Subject person and confiscated firearm were turned over by the SOT Team to Hinatuan Municipal Police Station on September 3, 2009 at 10:30 in the morning for proper disposition. Progress report to follow. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Initial report on encounter
On September 6, 2009 at 2:00 in the morning, joint team of 26 IB, 23 IB and 402nd Brigade of Philippine Army encountered Communist Terrorists (CTs) believed to be members of FC 34 SMRC at Sitio Cabuga, Barangay Sta Teresa, Loreto, Agusan del Sur.
No reported casualty on the government side while four killed on the enemy side. Firearms recovered from the area were six m16 rifles, one m203, one shotgun, one cal .38 and one garrand rifle. Progress report to follow. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Report on loose firearms
One SSGT Samuel Pangandoyon Locop, member of 36 IB, Phil Army based at Sitio Bingcongan, Barangay Bigaan, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur and designated as team leader of Special Operation Team (SOT) while conducting checkpoint on September 2, 2009 6:00 in the morning at said place apprehended a certain Mateo Nasis Montesa, of legal age, married, resident of Sitio Sta Cruz, Barangay Sanyata, Bislig City, connected with Bislig-Barobo-Hinatuan-Lingig-Tagbina (BIBAHILITA) Organization as deputized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Office.
Subject person while riding a motorcycle flagged down by the checkpoint of SOT personnel and found out in his possession one unit revolver cal .38 paltik with serial no. 590196 with five live ammos.
Upon verification, no pertinent documents he presented. Subject person and confiscated firearm were turned over by the SOT Team to Hinatuan Municipal Police Station on September 3, 2009 at 10:30 in the morning for proper disposition. Progress report to follow. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
