Butuan dad lauds fellow AFP reservists
By: Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 14 (PIA) – City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. lauded the entire reservists of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during the 32nd National Reservist Week Regional Convention held recently at the Caraga State University Sanchez Gymnasium, this city.
Speaking before the 320 reservists in attendance, City Councilor Ryan Anthony Culima who delivered the mayor’s speech said he salutes the Laang-Kawal (reservists) in attendance coming from the different reserved components of the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, and Philippine Navy for the endeavors of an unending commitment in serving our people and the country.
Also, Amante said the development of our nation does not only rest upon the hands of the leader, instead, it requires the state of many in building it.
The local chief added, when the late Senator Ninoy Aquino declares that the “Filipino is worth dying for,” he inculcates into our consciousness that each one of us has responsibility towards nation-building.
“As your fellow, we have our own mandate to keep towards achieving the thrust of an empowered nation with meaningful service,” he said.
Amante further said “many are called but few were chosen. Out of the many graduates of ROTC, only a portion of you here accepted the challenge to secure and support the armed forces… and with this, I salute you,” he said.
Furthermore, Amante said the convention is an opportune time to assess the many accomplishments of dedicated service the reservists have rendered to the Filipino people, “and I commend you for your untiring effort,” Amante said. (PIA-Caraga)
Butuan ex-solon calls public, LGU execs to join AFP reservists
By: Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 14 (PIA) – Former Representative and now Col. Charito B. Plaza called the public including the local executives to join the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as reservists and have the opportunity to serve the people and the country.
During the 32nd National Reservist Week Regional Convention held recently at the Caraga State University Sanchez Gymnasium here, the military reserve official said anyone wishes to serve the country and be part of the AFP are welcome as long as they qualify with the requirements
Col. Plaza also said based on our Constitution, President Benigno S. Aquino III, being the Commander in-chief of the AFP, has the power to call the public to assist the country’s armed forces especially in times of wars and emergencies such as disasters and calamities.
Further, the lady official said it is more advantageous to those who will assist the armed forces that they may be equipped with proper military education and training to ensure smooth operations. “And the best thing to do is to be trained as reservists – may be in the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, or Philippine Navy,” Plaza said.
Plaza also cited that training and education are free. Here, the trainees will be trained with proper military skills. She also said that during peace time, one of the responsibilities of the reservists is to assist the community in nation-building, as well as to assist the military in conducting rescue operations during disasters and calamities.
Plaza is a full Colonel (Reserve) of the Philippine Air Force with an Honorary Pilot Badge. She is the Wing Commander for Mindanao, PAF Reserve Force, 3rd Air Wing. (PIA-Caraga)
Agusan del Norte Guv says AFP reservists form integral elements in expeditionary force
By: Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 14 (PIA) – Agusan del Norte Governor Erlpe John Amante on Saturday said reservists of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) form integral elements in upholding peace and development in the country.
In his speech delivered by Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Rey Jamboy during the 32nd National Reservist Week Regional Convention held at the Sanchez Gymnasium of the Caraga State University here, the official emphasized the importance of AFP reservists in augmenting the military force and thus assisting the country’s military force as the need arises.
The official also said the provincial government of Agusan del Norte believes in the capacity of the AFP reservists in making what the province and Butuan City have accomplished in achieving peace and prosperity in Caraga Region.
Amante further salute the patriotism of the reservists in augmenting the military force especially during war and in terms of calamities.”My salute to our gallant reservists who have answered the call of duties in times of war and peace,” he said.
The official also said the reserved components of the Philippine Army, Air force and Navy form an integral element of our country’ expeditionary force. You are the nation’s premiere reserved forces who have shared military-civilian skills.
“You are called to meet the demands for military capabilities that support domestic and expeditionary operations,” Amante said.
With these developments, Gov. Amante calls on the entire military reservists to be the best that they can be to meet the challenges especially in terms of upholding peace and security that will result to progress and development.
The 32nd national reservist week convention is anchored on the theme: “Laang Kawal, Kaakibat Tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran” (Reservists, partner towards Peace and Development). (PIA-Caraga)
Gov. Amante boosts morale of AFP reservists
By: Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 14 (PIA) –- Amidst the alleged financial scam now questioning the integrity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Agusan del Norte Governor Erlpe John Amante boosted the morale of the entire military force saying that he has high hopes that the institution can surpass the crisis.
“Despite the turmoil with the internal organization of the armed forces particularly the financial scam, I remain confident that your organization can solve this odds and eventually rise up to the challenge inherent your duties in a transparent, honorable and trustworthy manner,” he said.
“As we can see, people judged the members of the active unit as if, every element is part of the million scam… the morale is down, the integrity is out into question,” Amante added.
Amante also said with the recent predicaments of the organization, he urged the reservists to continue holding to their pride and continue to perform their duties and responsibilities and live up to the ideal of public service.
“When everything seems dim and gloomy for the armed forces, you must provide the necessary spirit to the whole force,” Amante disclosed.
Gov. Amante is the keynote speaker of the 32nd National Reservist Week Regional Convention held on Saturday at the Sanchez Gym of Caraga State University, this city. The message was delivered by Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Rey Jamboy. (PIA-Caraga)
DBM chief urges local execs, parents to value education
By: Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 14 (PIA) – Dept. of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Butch Abad recently urged local officials, DepEd officials and the parents to value education by jointly undertaking measures that will help in improving the educational system of the country.
Abad said the Philippines ranks number one in terms of business process outsourcing in the whole world and have already overtaken India. However, of 100 people applying in call center agencies, only three to five people qualified, and if call center proprietors were asked for the reason, the common answer is “mostly of the applicants are poor in English… some can read but cannot comprehend,” Abad said.
Sec. Abad further stressed what the call center proprietors were saying is correct, “evidence of which is the result of studies conducted by DepEd where accordingly, out of 100 pupils who entered elementary education, only 40 will earn a degree in college,” he said.
The budget chief added it’s ironic to think that our country is already on top of knowledge and information-based industry and yet Filipinos are facing crisis in education.
“If we can make dramatic improvements in this area, we can have so much potential if our students are better educated and that is through at least graduating in high school or better if they can also finish college education,” he said.
With this development, Abad said parents should value education by sending their children not only in the basic education but as well as in tertiary. “Anyway, we have state colleges and universities that are offering quality and affordable education,” Abad said. (PIA-Caraga)
123 couples exchange vows in Surigao City
SURIGAO CITY, Feb. 14 (PIA) - A total of 123 couples formally exchanged marriage vows during the “Pre-Valentine’s Kasalan” held recently at the city auditorium, this city.
Solemnized by City Mayor Ernesto T. Matugas, the couples recited their marriage vows with joy and happiness expressed in their faces, that for a long time of living together they will be legally called husband and wife which is beneficial to them especially in legitimizing their children.
The oldest couple was from Brgy. Alegria, Henry G. Sierra, 82 years old and Consorcia E. Lipio, 71 years old. While the youngest was from Brgy. Rizal, Servillano A. Linaga, 19 years of age and Angelique V. Gulfo, 22 years old all from the Surigao City. Couples from the municipalities of Bacuag and Taganaan, Surigao del Norte also availed the mass wedding.
The newly-wed couples were given gifts by the city mayor’s wife Madam Felomina Matugas.
The City Civil Registry Office staffs have made the necessary preparations for the fulfillment and success of the Pre-Valentine’s Kasalan program activities. (Evangeline Guerra, City Government of Surigao/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
JTP conducts pre-launch activity
TANDAG, Surigao del Sur, Feb. 14 (PIA) –- The Jobs through Tech-Voc Program (JTP) of the provincial government of Surigao del Sur in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) conducted its pre-launching activity at 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon Monday, February 14 at the Provincial Skills training Center, Purok Villa Bali, Balilahan, Mabua, this province.
The JTP is sponsoring scholars for National Certificate level II (NC II) trained by TESDA with the following: Driving on light vehicle and Heavy Equipment (On-highway dumptruck); and Masonry.
According to Mr. Allan Millan, Supervising TESDA Specialist, the program is being funded by the provincial government thru Governor Pimentel that will sponsor P3,500 each for driving scholars for light vehicle while P15,000 each for driving heavy equipment operator and P6,000 each scholars for masonry. The Police Patrol Car Drivers from Lingig to Carrascal Municipal Police Station are also included as beneficiaries of the said program.
Millan also said that the scholars on the other hand had its counterpart only amounting to P1,000.00 that could also be benefit them.
The said counterpart is for the insurance fee of each scholars, uniform (T-shirt), ID and assessment fee for processing.
Meanwhile, expected guests for the said activity are the following: TESDA Caraga OIC Dir. Florencio Sunico; 1st District Cong. Philip Pichay; Vice Governor Manuel Alameda, Police Provincial Dir. P/SSupt Julito Diray and Mayor Alexander Pimentel of Tandag. (NGBTranquilan/PIA Surigao del Sur)
DepEd secretary to grace Education Summit tomorrow
By: Susil Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Feb. 14 (PIA) - Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Armin Luistro is set to visit the province of Surigao del Norte to attend the 2011 Education Summit which will be held at the provincial convention center, capitol compound this city on February 15, 2011.
Prior to the event, Sec. Luistro will be the guest of honor during the launching of Fit for School at Emerico Elementary School in Barangay Trinidad this city.
He will also lead the launching of Culture and Arts Month followed by the inauguration of the Surigao Cultural Center for Children at the provincial amphitheater.
On February 16, Luistro will meet with the League of Municipal Mayors at the Philippine Gateway Hotel.
He is also scheduled to visit the Sison Library Hub at Barangay Poblacion, Sison, Surigao del Norte before leaving for Manila. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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AFP celebrates 32nd Regional Reservist Week
By: Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 14 (PIA) – The 15th Caraga Regional Community Defense Group, Army Reserve Command based in Bancasi headed by Col Jonathan G Ponce hosted the 32nd Regional Reservist Week Convention with the theme: “Laang Kawal: Kabalikat ng Bayan sa Pagsulong ng Kapayapaan”, held recently at the Sanchez Gym, Caraga State University Main Campus, Brgy. Ampayon, this city.
The regional convention was actively participated by some 320 participants coming from the Reserve Components of the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, and Philippine Navy respectively.
A day before the convention, the one-day advocacy campaign was held at the Kalayaan Hall, Camp Bancasi, this city.
Col Jonathan Ponce, Group Commander stressed that the 1-day advocacy campaign is undertaken purposely to intensify the recruitment of reservists.
Also, Major Robert Macandili of the Philippine Army emphasized that the benefits/privileges of the reservists when on active duty training based on Republic Act 7077 or the AFP Reservist Act of 1991 are the following: Monthly subsistence allowance; Complete set of uniform (once a year); Free hospitalization in every military hospital; Burial assistance with full military honors; Free military schooling; and Chance to command a reserve unit.
Meantime, Col Charito B Plaza, Wing Commander of 7th Air Force Wing Reserve, said she is proud to be part of the Philippine Air Force in giving service to the public. She also shared her great challenges while on duty.
Plaza also called on the public especially those who have relatives whom they think are interested to join the force to apply and comply with the necessary requirements. (PIA-Caraga)
