DepEd’s enhanced education program public consultations set
By: Nora CL Molde
BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 10 (PIA) – “DepEd is embarking on a major reform in the educational system of our country – the Enhanced K+12 Basic Education Program,” says DepEd regional director Dr. Gloria D. Benigno as she announced the conduct of regional consultations on the K+12 basic education program on March 11, this city.
In this regard and in order to inform and get the pulse of the public on the enhanced K+12 program, the public consultations will be clustered into two: the first cluster will be held in the morning where national government agencies and local government units will participate at the Teacher Development Center, DepEd regional office.
Second cluster where school administrators from both public and private schools, parents, teachers, students and other stakeholders are enjoined to participate and will also be held in the afternoon of the same day and at the same venue.
According to DepEd Butuan City division public relation officer Israel B. Reveche, the event is a venue where K+12 implementing guidelines, legal basis will be thoroughly discussed.
Also, Reveche said, parents need not worry about the additional two years in basic education, as it is free in public schools. Those two additional years will be spent for training the students to become globally competitive.
DepEd is now carefully planning for the implementation of the program to ensure smooth shift and least trouble; the curriculum will be first implemented for school year 2011-2012, Reveche added.
The enhanced K+12 curriculum means kindergarten and the 12 years of primary and secondary education. (PIA-Caraga)
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Feature: CeMPCO: “Abiding by Coop rule pays”
By: David M. Suyao
From a mere P2,300 personal investment from the first 26 original members, it has now reached P14 million in total assets, with 139 members while another 50 are waiting to join and be part of the cooperative’s successful business venture.
According to Jen Melino of the Department of Agrarian Reform (RAD) in Agusan del Sur, the Cebulin Multi-purpose Cooperative was registered as a cooperative on March 7, 1994. After DAR had awarded the 220 hectares of land to CeMPCO, the cooperative started the rubber plantation with a capital of P2,300 from each of the 26 original members, who were all agrarian reform beneficiaries, lead by Bonifacio Betinol.
Realizing their capital was not enough, DAR assisted the cooperative to obtain financial assistance from the Land Bank of the Philippines. In 2005, after entering into marketing contract with Agusan Milling (AGUMIL), CEMPCO shifted into oil palm plantation. Since then, the cooperative garnered success, consequently increasing their operating capital and assets.
“Aiming to improve further the lives of the ARBs and the coop members, CEMPCO officers decided to formally extend its services through micro-finance venture with the aid of DAR –Center for Agriculture in Rural Development (CARD).
Through this new micro-finance venture, CEMPCO was able to extend help by lending small capitals for livelihood to the members, and for the COOP to improve their capability; livelihood trainings and capacity building were given to its members. Looking more for the future, CEMPCO plans to undertake other services such as insurance deposits including savings and money transfer,” Melino said.
Yesterday, CEMPCO formally launch its micro-finance venture called Pahulam Aron moLambo ang Membro or CEMPCO – PALM. The launching kicked-off with a motorcade from Billanes Gym, Poblacion, Trento, Agusan del Sur passing through Brgy. Cuevas, Brgy. Salvacion, Brgy. Sta. Maria going to Sitio Tadasi.
“We would like to thank the DAR for the support and for initiating this new micro-finance venture. This is new to us but we are hoping that with this, we will be able to help our members /ARBs in our little way and hand in hand this will also pave CEMPCO’s way in making the lives of the agrarian reform beneficiaries worth living,” CEMPCO manager Cipriano T. Berongoy said.
To date, CEMPCO has a total built-up capital of P 232, 000.00 and total assets of more than 14 million pesos. Membership also increased from 26 to 147 and still growing as there are 50 ARBs more waiting for approval. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)
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NAPM-Caraga opens in Butuan City
By: Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, March 10 (PIA) – Nagkakaisang Alyansa ng Pilipinong Makabayan, formerly Ninoy Aquino for President Movement (NAPM) on Tuesday opened its regional office at the second floor, Acerado Bldg., J.C. Aquino Avenue, this city.
In an interview with Mr. Alan Odtojan, NAPM deputy regional desk officer, he said the alliance is supporting President Benigno S. Aquino III particularly on the programs of his administration.
Odtojan further said NAPM is a non-government organization whose members are working voluntarily.
When asked if this is established only here in the region, Odtojan said other regions in the country have already established their offices.
Odtojan explained that NAPM does not only entertain complaints from the community. “We also accept suggestions and recommendations from the general public to the extent of how the Aquino administration addresses some of the problems of the country,” he said.
However, Odtojan said only written complaints will be given attention by NAPM for documentation and legality purposes. “As much as possible, written complaints will be personally handed in by the complainant/s,” he said.
NAPM is one of the feedback mechanisms that serves as a bridge between the community and local government units, national government agencies, more specifically with the Office of the President.
Meanwhile, a blessing of the NAPM office was officiated by Fr. Joecilo Amalia of Saint Joseph Cathedral. (PIA-Caraga)
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Volunteerism paves the way for transparent, accountable governance -NAPM
By: Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, March 10 (PIA) – In support to President Benigno S. Aquino’s the social contracts particularly the transparency and accountable governance, the Nagkakaisang Alyansa ng Pilipinong Makabayan (NAPM) [United Alliance of Filipino Patriots] recently started its cause through volunteerism without minding the risks brought about by the nature of their work.
Mr. Allan Odtojan, NAPM Deputy Regional Desk Officer admitted that with NAPM’s objective to serve as feedback mechanism of the present administration, it is but normal to encounter problems especially with those who will be involved in anomalous transactions.
“But this is NAPM’s objective – to see to it that everything will be put in order and legally because this is the mandate of Pres. Aquino to be transparent and this administration will be accountable to the Filipino populace if this mandate will not be practiced,” Odtojan said.
Mr. Odtojan also stressed with their limited number of manpower, NAPM-Caraga is set to recruit volunteers to be assigned in all provinces, key cities and barangays of the region.
“So, everybody here is doing volunteer work. We are not receiving anything from any sponsoring organizations – public and private alike… We don’t want to be politicized to uphold our integrity… That is why we are not considering accepting donations especially from those involved in politics,” Odtojan said.
“If they want change in the system of our government, then this is the right venue for them. This will serve as legacy to their children and the future generations,” Odtojan disclosed.
Nagkakaisang Alyansa ng Pilipinong Makabayan, formerly Ninoy Aquino for President Movement (NAPM) is a non-government organization that is voluntarily supporting the thrusts and programs of the Aquino administration. (PIA-Caraga)
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City gov't, police burn P750k ‘video karera’ machines
BUTUAN CITY – The Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) with City Director Police Senior Supt Jose Carillo and the local government of Butuan headed by Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr., led Wednesday afternoon (March 9) the destruction and burning of 25 units of illegal gambling machines, commonly known as "video karera" at the city hall grounds witnessed by the local media and the public.
The 25 confiscated video karera machines with motherboards are said to worth 750,000 pesos were smashed to pieces and burned.
Butuan City Police Station 1 Commander Police Supt. Joseph Boquiren said, “This is meant to show that we mean business in our campaign against all forms of illegal gambling.”
The official urged the public to coordinate with the local police of the existence of illegal gambling operations in their area.
PS Boquiren emphasized, BCPO and the city government’s campaign against illegal gambling and all forms of vices is a continuing one and assured the public that he enforcement of the law is without fear or favor.
Said video karera machines were confiscated in the last quarter of 2010. (Jocelyn E. Morano/PIA-Caraga)
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NFA sets I-RICE re-launching
By: Nora CL Molde
BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 10 (PIA) – The National Food Authority (NFA) is re-launching the Iron-Fortified Rice (I-RICE) starting March 15, this city.
I-RICE was initially introduced in the market sometime in 2004. Their specific targets then were the sectors having prevalence of anemia. This sector are mostly infants, elderly, pregnant and lactating mothers.
According to Victoria R. Duray, NFA Agusan del Norte provincial manager, the re-launching of the I-RICE will now target the larger sectors of the society.
During the launching, a “Taste-Test” will be conducted at three o’clock in the afternoon at the Langihan public market where a large crowd is expected and also, the event is intended for the general public.
I-RICE or Iron Fortified Rice is a mixture of white milled rice and I-MIX or iron premix processed through fortification. Fortified rice helps to replace nutrients lost during milling process. (PIA-Caraga)
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Installation of safe water system, intensified
By: David M. Suyao
Eight barangays from eight municipalities in Agusan del Sur are now getting safe drinking water thru the spring upgrading program implemented in 2010 by the Provincial Health Office (PHO) while another 26 barangays are targeted to enjoy the same project this year, 2011.
The project, according to reports by the PHO, is one of the component projects of the Convergence Development Program (CDP) that started in 2005, where Agusan del Sur is piloted as Formula 1 province otherwise known as health sector reform agenda, in order to combat infectious and water-borne diseases as targeted in attaining the Millennium Development Goal.
According to Nanette Cabanos, technical head of the PHO, the project is one of the priority thrusts of Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza, to improve households’ access to safe water, alongside the installation of sanitary toilets all over the province.
“Since the adaption of CDP in the province with the objective of giving better health program, equitable health care and financing to Agusanons, we have intensified the establishment of Botica sa Barangay where people can easily acquire affordable medicines for common illnesses, and the construction of sanitary toilets. In fact, we have facilitated the installation of 420 sanitary toilets scattered all over the province in 2010, and is planning to install more for this year, 2011,” Cabanos said.
The eight spring upgrading projects are installed in Barangay Maligaya, Rosario, Barangay Sta. Isabel in Sta. Josefa, Barangay Tandang Sora in Esperanza, Barangay San Andres in Bunawan, Barangay San Isidro in San Francisco, Barangay Sabud in Loreto, Barangay Don Alejandro in San Luis and Barangay Kapatungan in Trento
According to Cabanos, it is not only spring development and sanitary toilets that the PHO is giving attention to. They also provide health services delivery in hospitals, health regulation, health care financing, health governance, human resource development and health information and education system.
For year ending 2010, the eight spring upgrading project cost the European community some P2M grant in addition to the provincial government’s counterpart of technical and manpower resources.
All the outlets are on level 2, installed in strategic areas in every barangay. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)
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Cebuano news: Surigao Norte to launch ‘Kalimpyo, Kahapsay, Kahusay Surigao’
SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Mar. 10 (PIA) – The provincial government here under the leadership of Gov. Sol Matugas is set to launch an environmental program dubbed as “Kalimpyo, Kahapsay, Kahusay Surigao,” primarily aimed at maintaining a clean, healthy and beautiful environment throughout the province.
The launching will be on Friday, March 11, 2011 at the Luneta Kiosk in Surigao City.
According to Provincial Environment and Management Office Chief Ivonnie Dumadag, the program will hopefully mobilize all sectors of society in changing and helping their communities into clean and green areas with the least expense to the government.
“It also aims to promote a venue for the people’s participation in community development efforts.” (FEAbkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Cebuano News: Sekretaryo sa Agrikultura nagpasalamat sa gobernador sa Surigao Norte
SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Mar. 10 (PIA) – Daku ang pasalamat sa sekretaryo sa Agrikultura nga si Hon. Proceso Alcala ngadto kang gobernador Sol Matugas sa init nga pagabi-abi ngadto kaniya.
Pinaagi sa sulat ngadto sa gobernador, siya nagkanayon nga sa ngalan sa pamilya sa Departamento sa Agrikultura, daku kayo ang iyang pagpasalamat sa init ug maabi-abihon nga pagdawat niadtong pagbisita niya dinhi sa atong probinsya.
Si Sec. Alcala nalipay ug daku nga ang probisnya sa Surigao del Norte pinaagi sa pagpangulo sa atong gobernador ug ni Mr. Gromyko Geraldino ang nangulo sa opisina sa Agrikultura nakigtambayayong ug kusog sa pamilya sa Departamento sa Agrikultura sa mga implementasyon sa National Agri-Fishery Projects nga ang tumong mao ang kauswagan sa panginabuhi sa atong mga mag-uuma ug mangingisda.
Siya nagkanayon sa sulat, “Hangad ko ang patuloy at ibayo nating ugnayan at pagtutulungan, ngayon at sa mga darating pang mga taon upang makamtan ang hangarin ng isang maunlad, likas-kaya at makabagong agrikulturang Pilipino.” (Surigao Norte Provincial Information Office/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
