RDC-Caraga releases 2012 budget proposal guidelines
By: Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 10 (PIA) – The Regional Development Council (RDC) of Caraga Administrative Region recently released regional budget guidelines for fiscal year 2012 budget proposals of government agencies.
Pursuant to the National Budget Memorandum (NBM) No. 107 issued by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on December 30, 2010 indicating the policy guidelines and procedures in the preparation of the 2012 budget proposals, regional consultations shall be conducted through the RDCs in February 2011.
Accordingly, this will be done to reconcile program thrusts of the agencies and local government units (LGUs), and evaluate existing programs, activities and projects of then national agencies in the region to ensure they complement with programs and projects of the LGUs as well as have a beneficial impact on the localities.
The regional budget proposal guidelines aim to evaluate the performance of on-going programs, projects and activities of national agencies in the region from 2009 to 2011 for improvement of agency programs and for decision of the programs, projects and activities that are proposed to be terminated. (PIA-Caraga)
DBM Chief to grace Caraga budget consultation today
By: Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 10 (PIA) – Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad will visit the city today to grace the Regional Budget Consultation for fiscal year 2012 which will be held in one of the local convention centers here.
In a press statement issued by the Regional Development Council (RDC) through its chairman Regional Director Carmencita Cochingco of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the activity is in compliance with the National Budget Memorandum No. 107 by the DBM. During the event, Sec. Abad will head the review panel.
It can be recalled that a sectoral pre-budget consultation workshop was conducted on February 1 here attended by regional line agencies to provide a venue for DBM and RDC Secretariat to conduct initial review of the agencies’ budget proposals at the technical level.
During the said workshop, comments were generated on how the respective agencies may revise and enhance their proposals based on the guidelines set in the Regional Budget Call.
The comments of the RDC Secretariat and the DBM technical team are considered and incorporated in the presentation of the agencies’ budget during the consultation where each agency is given five minutes presentation.
Moreover, the main objective of the Regional Budget Consultation is to generate the comments and recommendations of Secretary Abad, the RDC members and the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on the agencies’ proposals, it was gathered. (PIA-Caraga)
Surigao Norte health officials step up drive vs maternal, neonatal mortality
SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Feb. 10 (PIA) - Health officials here continue to conduct campaign to reduce the maternal and neonatal deaths in the province.
Maternal and Child Health Coordinator Rosanna Manongas of the Provincial Health Office revealed that they continue to strengthen their efforts in the conduct of information, education and advocacy to reduce and ultimately end maternal mortality as well as neonatal deaths.
In a forum recently conducted in Surigao City, Manongas said that so far, there is a decrease in the number of maternal deaths in the entire province since 2009.
Manongas disclosed that from 16 maternal mortality deaths in 2009, it reduced to 14 in 2010. She further revealed that among the leading causes of maternal death are eclampsia and post-partum hemorrhage.
As for neonatal death, 17 cases were recorded last year. Respiratory distress syndrome secondary to prematurity and neonatal sepsis were among the primary causes of deaths. (FEAbkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte)
296 police personnel attends ISO enhancement capability training
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 10 -- More than two hundred police personnel coming from the various police stations and offices in the region had undergone the two-week Internal Security Operations Enhancement Training, held simultaneously at the PRO 13 Regional Special Training School and Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez, Brgy. Libertad, this city .
The training was attended by 296 policemen and women and the top regional police officials led by Caraga PNP Director CSupt. Reynaldo S. Rafal.
The trainees were made to undergo various technical, tactical and functional expertise of an ideal ISO team composed of a radio man, lead scout, investigator, navigator, machine gunner, community organizing program officers and others.
A team can be formed according to their respective tactical and technical functions and expertise, the same source said, as such need may arise. The trainees, Chief Supt. Rafal said in an interview this afternoon, “are now ready to be tasked for counter insurgency operations.”
They were for the meantime returned to their respective mother units, equipped and ready to be called and formed as a team when the need arises. Meantime, they can apply what they had learned as they serve their respective mother units.
Meanwhile, 48 personnel had also undergone the two-week initial Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) training at the Regional Special Training School at Santiago, Agusan del Norte. The 24-strong SWAT team coming from the Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) returned to its mother unit. They will be operating under the oversight of the Butuan City Police while the team coming from the Regional Public Safety Battalion can operate anywhere in the region according to CSupt. Rafal. (Noel B. Najarro/PIA Caraga)
Expansion of the D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital to commence next week
By: David M. Suyao
AGUSAN DEL SUR, Feb. 10 -- Another 50- bed capacity expansion of the Democrito O. Plaza Memorial Hospital will start next week that will complement the 100 bed-capacity hospital now serving the province of Agusan del Sur and the neighbouring provinces.
The building, according to the D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital chief Dr. Joel Esparagoza, will be two- storey, with complete amenities. It will be constructed in front of the original hospital building where the old barangay hall and the Philippine Red Cross building are located.
“The provincial government has already identified the new location where the Philippine Red Cross will be relocated. The area was donated by the provincial government, including the proposed building worth P10 Million, which include the filling up of the area. Our barangay hall has already transferred to its new building at the barangay center in Purok 3, Patin-ay, Prosperidad,” Dr. Esparagoza said.
According to Dr. Esparagoza, the fund for the expansion building is already downloaded to the provincial treasury from the European community amounting to P37 Million, while the provincial government will have P3 Million counterpart. The bidding for the construction was already done. In fact, Dr. Esparagoza said, next week, the contractor will already start the lay-outing and the construction proper.
“Former Governor, now Cong. Maria Valentina Plaza’s original plan was a 100-bed capacity expansion, but because the fund from the European Community is only P37M, we decided that we will first make use of the amount for 50 bed-capacity building, and supplement it later with the country side development fund of Cong. Plaza, in order to realize her plan,” Dr. Esparagoza said.
According to records, the D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital is also catering patients from its neighbouring provinces of Surigao del Sur and Compostela Valley. During outbreaks, even the lobby of the D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital are filled with patients suffering from any illness. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)
DOTC-Caraga warns public on illegal law enforcers
By: Nora CL Molde
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 10 (PIA) –- The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) Caraga regional office told the public to deal with authorized law enforcement personnel only.
DOTC regional director Atty. Alim D. Pangandaman warns the public of the presence of illegal and unauthorized persons in the conduct of law enforcement activities in the region.
Director Pangandaman said that in order not to be a victim of such illegal activities, the public is hereby advised to deal with the DOTC or the Land Transportation Office (LTO) personnel on matters concerning law enforcement operations.
“Only those DOTC/LTO personnel of Caraga region who are duly deputized, with valid identification cards, in complete uniform and with mission order are authorized to conduct law enforcement operation,” Director Pangandaman said.
Likewise, Director Pangandaman also said that any private or person not employed by the national or local government are not authorized or strictly prohibited to conduct law enforcement activities.
He further said, any motorist and/or operator, owner and driver of motor vehicle should not submit themselves to such unauthorized and illegal activities.
Moreover, Director Pangandaman said, any person who is subjected to the stated unauthorized and illegal activities can file administrative or criminal complaint against such person. (PIA-Caraga)
100 Agusanon set to avail training for work scholarship program
By: David M. Suyao
AGUSAN DEL SUR, Feb. 10 -- A total of 107 Agusanon is set to undergo training for work scholarship program (TWSP) under the special commitment of Gov. Adolph Edward “Eddiebong” Plaza taking up key employment generator courses identified by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
According to TESDA provincial director Joventino Aleta, this batch of training will cost P1M from TESDA committed to Gov. Eddiebong Plaza in order that qualified scholars will land a job upon completion of the course.
Norberto Dorado, TESDA skills specialist said there are five courses that the scholars can choose from, depending upon their inclination.
“All the five courses are offered in the different schools in Agusan del Sur and of National Certificate level II. These courses are Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), which can be taken at the Provincial Training Center in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur Colleges in San Francisco and the Divine World Manobo Cultural Development Foundation in Zillovia, Talacogon.For the Automotive Servicing Course (ASC), they can take them at the Computer Research Network and Saint Francisc Xavier College in San Francisco. For RAC servicing, Southway College of Technology offers the course, for Commercial Cooking, the Agusan del Sur School of Arts and Trades offer the course and for Wheel Loader Operator, the West Agusan Colleges offers it,” Dorado said.
Dir. Aleta said, for this batch, TESDA will enrol 45 scholars for Shielded Metal Arc Welding course, 30 scholars for Automotive Servicing, ten for RAC Servicing, 12 for Commercial Cooking and ten scholars for Wheel Loader Operator.
TESDA set aside some P472,500 for SMAW course that will include the assessment fee of P500 and another P10,000 for 34 days training of 45 scholars; P165,000 for 30 Automotive Servicing scholars that will undergo training for 66 days each; P105,000 for ten RAC servicing scholars that will undergo 21 training days; P102,000 for 12 Commercial Cooking scholars that will undergo 55 training days and; P155,000 for ten Wheel Loader operator scholars that will undergo 20 days training. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)
New director assumes as Butuan City police chief
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 10 - A new police senior officer from Camp Crame assumed the reins as the director of the Butuan City’s police force.
In a simple turn-over ceremony this afternoon held at the Butuan City Police Office Shooting Range attended by Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. as the guest of honor and speaker, outgoing BCPO OIC Director Police Senior Supt. Benson D. Leleng turn-over his post to Police Senior Supt. Jose V. Carillo.
SSupt. Leleng held the said position as officer-in-charge of the Butuan City Police for seven months and seventeen days, from July 20, 2010 until February 8, 2011. He was awarded the “Medalya Ng Kasanayan” (Police Efficiency Medal) in recognition of his efficient and splendid police leadership, characterized by dedication and professionalism while in office, as ordered by CSupt. Rafal under General Order No. 84, dated February 8, 2011.
Outgoing BCPO Director Leleng described his stint at BCPO “as a chance to be a part of Butuan City’s history,”. He also thanked the local government unit particularly Mayor Amante, saying that the achievements could not have been attained without their all-out support rendered to the police plans and programs “by providing the necessary inputs (which) was translated into the successful accomplishment of their (police force) mission of keeping the peace.”
He admitted though that there might be some (crime) incidents transpiring lately, but he said the police force had “not been remiss in attending to their duties” as they were able to identify some of the suspects and cases were filed against them in courts. He also cited the regional police, through CSupt. Rafal, for its full support and guidance extended during his stint of office. He encouraged everyone to extend similar support to the incoming city director whom he described as “more than capable to bring BCPO to some greater heights.”
Incoming BCPO Director SSupt. Jose V. Carillo thanked Gen. Rafal for the chance of working together with him again and to Mayor Amante for picking up his name from among the five applicants for the said post and for Agusan del Norte Governor Erlpe John M. Amante for his “confidence and endorsement.”
He said that to assume his present position is “truly a privilege.” He assured everyone that the confidence given to him will not be wasted. He vowed to carryout the mission of BCPO “with sincerity and passion,” to make Butuan City a safer place to live and to do business with.
He said that his administration may focus on three areas: Firstly, the prevention of the occurrence of crimes, as “prevention is always the best cure.” He said that he will strengthen preventive patrols as deterrent to crimes. He will increase police visibility as police presence will deter would-be criminals the opportunity to commit crimes. Secondly, he will enhance police-community partnership. The police, he said, will strengthen the ties with the other pillars of the criminal justice system. Thirdly, he will enhance the skills and competency of the police personnel so that they may be better equipped to serve and protect the people of Butuan.
Mayor Amante in his message pointed out to the police force the biblical value of obedience. He said that the values of loyalty and respect might also be great, but the greatest of all is obedience, he said. He also said that this value has been demonstrated by the outgoing police chief SSupt. Benson D. Leleng. According to him that Col. Leleng and he had assumed office almost at the same time. He said that when he was installed as the city mayor when he don’t know whom to trust, he placed the trust of his life, that of his family and the lives of the people and property of Butuan City in the hands of this good police officer.
But when he learned that there was this change of administration (of the city police force) he had a talk with the outgoing official, and he said not a word of complaint has been uttered from his mouth. No sign of resistance. He just yielded in simple obedience to his higher authority. He thanked the officer for being with him “when they still groped together in the dark” and heed the call of the people for their safety, peace and order.
The mayor then addressed the incoming director saying that the welfare of the people of Butuan is his utmost concern. He said he “again laid the lives and properties of the city’s populace,” in the hands of the present police administration. He pointed out that indeed, there was a decrease in crime volume up to the month of December, but there seems to be “resurgence” in January of criminality which threatens the lives of the people.
He said his administration, had tried so hard in inviting and attracting investors to the city. But any incident report of a threat to an investor “may make them scamper away never come back our dream of making a better Butuan may not happen at all” he said.
Mayor Amante said that he had his own direction for the city, and according to him, he will converge this visions with which was laid by the city’s police force. (Noel B. Najarro/PIA Caraga)
Surigao Media Club prexy supports Aquino’s E.O 23
SURIGAO CITY, Feb. 10 (PIA) - The Media Association of Surigao (MASU) President Jocelyn Ferol of RMN-DXRS strongly supports the implementation of Executive Order No. 23 signed by President Benigno Aquino III recently.
Ferol is optimistic that with the action from the Aquino administration the rampant illegal logging activities in the region will stop.
“This is the time for all of us to take actions and protect the environment,” said Ferol who is currently the Program Director of RMN-Surigao.
She is hopeful that not only the government officials will make stand for it, but the ordinary citizens as well.
“A lot has been said about this Executive Order No. 23 but the most important thing is the results,” Ferol concluded. (Susil Ragas, PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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PCGG sets various competitions in celebration of 25th EDSA anniversary
By: Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 10 (PIA) -- The Presidential Commission on Good Governance (PCGG) through the Office of Commissioner Maita Chan-Gonzaga is spearheading the conduct of the essay writing contest, drawing contest, and short-film competition for students with the general theme: “Closing Chapters: Finding a Way Forward.”
It was learned that twenty-five years ago, the month of February marked a sea change in Philippine history. The People Power revolution at EDSA not only marked the end of the Marcos dictatorship and the restoration of Filipino’s democracy, it also meant the beginning of a search for what truly constitutes good government. Thus, the first official act of President Corazon Aquino was the creation of the Presidential Commission on Good Government which was tasked to, among other things, adopt safeguards and institute adequate measures to prevent the occurrence of corruption.
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of EDSA and the PCGG, and to acknowledge the fact that the search for good government is still an ongoing quest, the commission is inviting currently enrolled Filipino high school students to submit original and personally written essays regarding their take on “What is Good Government to Me?”
The essay must be in English, encoded (MS-Word format), font size 12, Times New Roman, double-spaced with a minimum of 1,300 words and a maximum of 2,000 words.
Attached with the entry should be an MS-Word file containing the full name, age, complete address, contact numbers and a scanned copy of the current school I.D. of the entrant.
Criteria for the essay writing contest are as follows: Originality and Coherence – 40%; Content – 40%; and Style and presentation – 20%, a total of 100%. First prize is P15,000.00, second prize is P10,000.00, and third prize is P5,000.00.
Also, the commission is inviting currently enrolled Filipino elementary students from Grade four to six to submit drawing entries regarding their take on “What is Good Government to Me?”
The drawing should be made on a sheet of white 8.5 x 11 paper (short bond paper) using pencil and crayons only. Each entry must be original, drawn by the entrant and officially submitted by mail.
Criteria for judging: Originality – 25%; Relevance to the theme – 40%; and Creativity and presentation – 35%, a total of 100%.
Enclosed with the entry should be a paper containing the full name, age, complete address, contact numbers and a scanned copy of the current school I.D. of the entrant.
First prize is P15,000.00, second prize is P10,000.00, and third prize is P5,000.00.
Deadline for the submission of entries for essay writing and drawing is on February 14, 2011 by email to pcgg25@gmail.com.
Meanwhile, the commission is also inviting currently enrolled Filipino college students to submit short films on their take on “What is Good Government to Me?” within 4 to 6 minutes, participants are given a chance, as young persons who was born post-EDSA, to discuss/show what good government is to them, what they can do to have a good government, and how they can protect and promote good government.
PCGG emphasizes not to claim copyrighted materials to be theirs; if participants use shots and music that were created by other people, they should cite the owners of the materials at the bottom of the screen.
Applicants can upload their videos at vimeo.com or at youtube.com. They should also email an MS-Word file containing the full name, age, complete address, contact numbers and a scanned copy of the current school I.D. of the entrant along with the link of their video to pcgg25@gmail.com.
Criteria for judging: Content management and dissemination – 40%; Creativity and execution – 35%; and Technical aspects – 25%, a total of 100%. First prize is P20,000.00, second prize is P15,000.00, and third prize is P10,000.00.
Deadline of submission on short film competition is on February 18, 2011. (PIA-Caraga)
SWAT team ready to respond to crises situations
CAMP RAFAEL C RODRIGUEZ, Libertad, Butuan City, Feb. 10 -- Policemen who recently finished the Special Weapons and Tactics Orientation Course at the Regional Special Training Unit 13 (RSTU 13), Santiago, Agusan del Norte are now ready to respond to crisis or special threat situations. Caraga Police Director PCSupt Reynaldo Serrano Rafal, PhD, CEO VI said he develop specialized units in the region to handle crisis situations in a systematic manner.
These units were trained to employ tactics that would not typically be used in other realms of police work. He clarified they will be called upon to handle a variety of types of crisis and special threat situations, adding that SWAT teams rely heavily on negotiations especially in hostage crisis to make sure the safety and security of the community in the region.
RD Rafal also emphasized that the community must not only be served efficiently and effectively, they must also be served with utmost courtesy, adding that good manners and right performance of duty remains to be the philosophy of a day-to-day service of the PNP.
Meanwhile, the Internal Security Operation (ISO) Enhancement Capability Training also culminated the other day at PRO 13 Grandstand, Camp Rodriguez, Libertad, Butuan City. RD Rafal expect a deeper dedication now that they have finished the training, hoping that they will be able to do an even better job in the days ahead. Their prime duty and responsibility is to stand by the nation and defend it at all cost from criminals, terrorists, destabilizers and most especially from insurgents.
Attending the closing ceremony the other day were General Rafal; Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand E Amante Jr.; PSSupt Isagani Francisco Genabe Jr-Deputy regional Director for Operations; RSTU 13 Training Manager PSupt. Adolph C. Almendra; RSTU 13 Assistant Training Manager PCInsp Reynante Ngoho Sibayton; PCI Nelly Tabornal Villagarcia, Chief, Public Information Officer and other Police Commission Officers from the Police Regional Office. (PCI Nelly Tabornal Villagarcia, PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)
New Las Nieves MPS inaugurated
CAMP RAFAEL C RODRIGUEZ, Libertad, Butuan City, Feb. 10 - Police Regional Office 13 is geared towards putting-up modern police stations especially in far-flung municipalities.
The new Las Nieves Municipal Police Station (Standard Type "C" Building) in Agusan del Norte was inaugurated yesterday following its completion. The Blessing, Turn-over and Acceptance of Las Nieves MPS building was personally graced by Caraga Police Director PCSupt Reynaldo Serrano Rafal, Ph.D, CEO VI together with Las Nieves Mayor Rainerio P Rosales and other Police Commissioned Officers from Police Regional Office 13 and Head of Offices of said municipality.
The modern two storey station building is in line with the required program in accordance with the Integrated Transformation Program (ITP) specially the Key Result Area (KRA) on the Physical Development, particularly giving emphasis on the "Quick Response" in providing the PNP of a modern Police Station.
The construction of Las Nieves MPS was finance by the PNP under PNP Engineering Service, PRO 13 (CARAGA), with P 1.3M counterpart from LGU Las Nieves.
RD RAFAL said that PRO 13 is doing everything and exercising all resources to make plans a reality, adding that the projects will be based on the PNP Integrated Transformation Program. P
PRO 13 wants to focus on addressing the current demands of the various places particularly in far-flung areas. The enhancement of station buildings and security measures is in line with Program Thrust of the PNP. RD Rafal also aims to upgrade police equipment in support to Police Field Operations.
The creation of Las Nieves as a municipality was formally executed on June 25, 1963 under Executive Order No. 42. The municipality has one poblacion and 19 rural barangays with a total land area of 58,269 hectares of flat lands and rolling hills. (PCI Nelly Tabornal Villagarcia, PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)
DILG conducts gender responsive planning & budgeting workshop
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 10 – The Department of the Interior and Local Government Region XIII thru the Local Governance Regional Resource Center facilitated the conduct of a seminar workshop on Gender Responsive Planning & Budgeting in Loreto, ADS recently at the Goat2geder Hotel and Restaurant.
The participants were headed by Hon. George Legazpi, the vice mayor. Also in attendance were the eight members of the Sangguniang Bayan, the SK Federation Cahirman, heads of offices, and other notable personalities of the LGU.
The GerL Ka Ba tool was utilized in determining the current levels of capacities in mainstreaming GAD at the local level. The results were then used as the basis for issues identification and prioritization as well as coming up with appropriate recommendations and interventions to be able to craft a comprehensive GAD Plan for 2011. The activity was deemed as the first step in attaining the vision of a gender responsive LGU.
The resource persons included Atty. Josefe Sorrera – Ty, Dean of Father Urios University College of Law and Atty. Marlyn M. Pintor, Regional Director of the Commission on Human Rights. Both are also advocates of women’s rights and gender and development in general.
The training team was headed by the Ms. Lilibeth A. Famacion, Assistant Regional Director of DILG XIII. (Emmylou Pontillo-Burias, DILG-13/PIA-Caraga)
Asia foundation set to turn over books for Surigao Sur
TANDAG, Surigao del Sur, Feb. 10 (PIA) – The Asia Foundation is set to turn-over books and other reading materials Friday, February 11 at the Provincial Capitol Seminar Hall, this province.
Said activity is in connection with its Books for Asia (BFA) program under the transparent Accountable Governance project with support from the United States Agency for international Development (USAID).
The Asia Foundation’s BFA Program has distributed over 13 million books and journals to public and private institutions across the Philippines since 1954. BFA donate books addressing the resource needs in 11 of 17 regions of the Country.
The Asia Foundation is a non-government organization, nonprofit committed to the development of a peaceful, prosperous, just, and open Asia-Pacific region. (NGBTranquilan/PIA Surigao del Sur)
