Remove corruption opportunities- NEDA chief
by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 29 (PIA) – When asked how the Aquino administration fights corruption, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Cayetano Paderanga Jr. said they are looking for any opportunities for corruption to happen and remove those opportunities.
According to Paderanga, if there is no opportunity for corruption, then no one will be tempted to commit such crime.
Because of this, Paderanga said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is now reviewing the budget submitted by all agencies of government. “Those budgets which are found and considered irrelevant will be cut off,” the NEDA Secretary said.
In a related development, DBM Sec. Florencio Abad in a press conference held during his visit early this year here said the budget of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is reviewed carefully down to the last detail because of the corruption scandal that took place in the armed forces.
He said personnel services of vacant plantilla positions in the AFP have been cut off so that the budget will be returned to DBM and will be used for other pressing concerns and needs of government.
Abad further said same procedure will be implemented in other government agencies because the Aquino administration believes that good governance and anti-corruption must be observed and applied in government works at all times.
“This will lead towards the right and narrow path otherwise known as Daang Matuwid, the battle cry of Pres. Benigno Aquino II,” the budget Secretary said. (PIA-Caraga)
People's participation in crafting dev't plan significant - NEDA chief
by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 29 (PIA) – National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Cayetano Paderanga Jr. said people’s participation in the crafting of the Philippine Development Plan of the Aquino administration is very crucial as the plan focuses on the key message of the President particularly on good governance and anti-corruption.
Speaking before top officials, regional directors, and information center managers of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) during the agency’s Management Conference and Launching of Pantawid Pasada Communication Program held recently in Rembrandt Hotel, Quezon City, Sec. Paderanga said the Aquino administration considers and values the contribution of society from the grass roots level in crafting a development plan for the country.
“Development Plan is formulated by the whole government, by government, we mean for the people, with the people, and by the people. Thus, it is necessary that the people must be involved in crafting the plan because it’s the people who will feel the effects of the plan – whether positive or negative effects,” the NEDA Secretary said.
When asked what must be the response of information officers of PIA if asked by the people what the new administration has done with the country, Paderanga said everything has been placed systematically.
“Meron na pong nangyari kahit mula pa noong panahon ng yumaong Pangulong Cory Aquino. At ngayon, binago na po ang paraan ng pagpa-plano upang pag-iigihan pa ng pamahalaan ni PNoy na mabago ang sistema ng pamamahala at nang sa gayon ay hindi masayang ang nasimulan ng kaniyang ina (The development has started to pave its way since the time of his mother, the late Pres. Cory Aquino. Now, the planning process has been changed so that PNoy’ administration will double the efforts to change the system of governance in the country. In this way, what has been started by his mother will not be put into waste)," Paderanga said.
In closing, Paderanga said the Philippine Development Plan is anchored on growth that is inclusive and aimed at achieving higher economic growth of 7-8 percent per year for at least six years; growth that generates mass employment; and growth that reduces poverty, including achievement or surpassing of Millennium Development Goals. (RER-PIA Caraga)
Agusan del Sur declared 7th filaria-free province
By David M. Suyao
AGUSAN DEL SUR, April 29 (PIA) – Agusan del Sur province was officially declared filaria-free, based on a 2009 survey by the Department of Health.
According to DOH Caraga Regional Director Leonita Gorgolon, Agusan del Sur became the 7th Filaria-free province since the start of Filariasis elimination program in 2003. It had attained 85 percent of its target for mass drug administration.
Two years after the mass drug administration, the DOH survey revealed filiariasis cases were dramatically reduced.
by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 29 (PIA) – When asked how the Aquino administration fights corruption, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Cayetano Paderanga Jr. said they are looking for any opportunities for corruption to happen and remove those opportunities.
According to Paderanga, if there is no opportunity for corruption, then no one will be tempted to commit such crime.
Because of this, Paderanga said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is now reviewing the budget submitted by all agencies of government. “Those budgets which are found and considered irrelevant will be cut off,” the NEDA Secretary said.
In a related development, DBM Sec. Florencio Abad in a press conference held during his visit early this year here said the budget of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is reviewed carefully down to the last detail because of the corruption scandal that took place in the armed forces.
He said personnel services of vacant plantilla positions in the AFP have been cut off so that the budget will be returned to DBM and will be used for other pressing concerns and needs of government.
Abad further said same procedure will be implemented in other government agencies because the Aquino administration believes that good governance and anti-corruption must be observed and applied in government works at all times.
“This will lead towards the right and narrow path otherwise known as Daang Matuwid, the battle cry of Pres. Benigno Aquino II,” the budget Secretary said. (PIA-Caraga)
People's participation in crafting dev't plan significant - NEDA chief
by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 29 (PIA) – National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Cayetano Paderanga Jr. said people’s participation in the crafting of the Philippine Development Plan of the Aquino administration is very crucial as the plan focuses on the key message of the President particularly on good governance and anti-corruption.
Speaking before top officials, regional directors, and information center managers of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) during the agency’s Management Conference and Launching of Pantawid Pasada Communication Program held recently in Rembrandt Hotel, Quezon City, Sec. Paderanga said the Aquino administration considers and values the contribution of society from the grass roots level in crafting a development plan for the country.
“Development Plan is formulated by the whole government, by government, we mean for the people, with the people, and by the people. Thus, it is necessary that the people must be involved in crafting the plan because it’s the people who will feel the effects of the plan – whether positive or negative effects,” the NEDA Secretary said.
When asked what must be the response of information officers of PIA if asked by the people what the new administration has done with the country, Paderanga said everything has been placed systematically.
“Meron na pong nangyari kahit mula pa noong panahon ng yumaong Pangulong Cory Aquino. At ngayon, binago na po ang paraan ng pagpa-plano upang pag-iigihan pa ng pamahalaan ni PNoy na mabago ang sistema ng pamamahala at nang sa gayon ay hindi masayang ang nasimulan ng kaniyang ina (The development has started to pave its way since the time of his mother, the late Pres. Cory Aquino. Now, the planning process has been changed so that PNoy’ administration will double the efforts to change the system of governance in the country. In this way, what has been started by his mother will not be put into waste)," Paderanga said.
In closing, Paderanga said the Philippine Development Plan is anchored on growth that is inclusive and aimed at achieving higher economic growth of 7-8 percent per year for at least six years; growth that generates mass employment; and growth that reduces poverty, including achievement or surpassing of Millennium Development Goals. (RER-PIA Caraga)
Agusan del Sur declared 7th filaria-free province
By David M. Suyao
AGUSAN DEL SUR, April 29 (PIA) – Agusan del Sur province was officially declared filaria-free, based on a 2009 survey by the Department of Health.
According to DOH Caraga Regional Director Leonita Gorgolon, Agusan del Sur became the 7th Filaria-free province since the start of Filariasis elimination program in 2003. It had attained 85 percent of its target for mass drug administration.
Two years after the mass drug administration, the DOH survey revealed filiariasis cases were dramatically reduced.
“The achievement of eliminating filariasis in Agusan del Sur reflects the full support of the people in the province specially the local officials. We sincerely recognize the support of Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza and then Gov. Maria Valentina Plaza in giving the health program top priority resulting to zero filariasis cases in Agusan del Sur”, Dir. Gorgolon said.
According to DOH Caraga Deputy Director Cesar Cassion, the province had to hurdle hardships such as lack of drugs, and difficulty in reaching places like the hinterlands where filariasis are prevalent.
As response, Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza expressed his gratitude for the effort of the DOH officials and personnel in making Agusan del Sur a Filaria-free province.
“Our main target now is how to maintain Agusan del Sur a Filarial-free province. Because of this target, I am offering a P10,000 reward per person with filariasis for anybody who could bring that person to the D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital and examined to be positive with filariasis. I am giving this reward because of two reasons. First, I know that Filariasis is prevalent in hinterlands, and the cost of transportation is high. Because of this, it is almost possible for people infected with filariasis to visit the health centers for medication and second, I sincerely want to maintain this status as a Filaria- free province”, Gov. Plaza said.
Filariasis is a mosquito-borne disease. People inflected with the disease will have swollen parts in the body that will cause even death. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Solar Energy Foundation turns over portable home system to Surigao
by Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, April 29 (PIA) -- The Solar Energy Foundation (SEF) has formally turned-over 10-units of portable Solar Home System (SHS) to Surigao Economic Development Foundation, Inc. (SEDF) recently to be distributed to selected remote mountain villages of Caraga Region.
Solar Home System is an electricity source facility that addresses the problem of over 20 million Filipinos who live in isolated communities without electricity and depend only on kerosene, wood and disposable batteries to meet their basic energy needs.
SEF board member Philippe Saubier said the Solar Energy Foundation, which was recently launched on March 16, 2011 in the Philippines, works globally to reduce poverty, related to a lack of energy through the use of innovative solar technology solutions.
“The mission of SEF is to electrify all isolated villages through solar energy. So, SEF has tied up with Sun Transfer, the design and production arm of SEF, which produces award-winning products powered by the sun that are specifically designed for the needs of off-grid communities so they have access to electricity on a sustainable basis,” Saubier said.
SEDF president Engr. Leonel A. Santos said the turn-over of the SHS is very timely, because Mindanao is very vulnerable to power interruption due to small power reserve capacity of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines.
On the other hand, SEDFI executive director Amparito Carmen C. Cubil said the SHS donated by SEF would also give benefit especially to Indigenous People (IPs) communities living in the remote mountain village in the Caraga Region. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
AFP, PNP launch hot pursuit after NPA attack in Lianga
by Greg Tataro, Jr.
TANDAG CITY, Apr. 29 (PIA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) recently launched a joint pursuit operations following the attack of more or less 100 fully armed NPA rebels on April 28 at past 5:00 a.m. in Lianga town, 105 kilometers south of Tandag, this province.
According to Surigao de Sur Police Provincial Director SSupt. Julito Diray, the firefight between rebel forces and the 15 Lianga police personnel along with one team from Philippine Army Augmentation Force who defended Lianga Municipal Police Station lasted for almost two hours.
While the attack was still on-going, Army 401st Brigade Commander Col. Augusto Tolentino confirmed the incident in an interview with Radyo ng Bayan.
Meanwhile, the clearing operations resulted to the capture of one unidentified injured male member of the rebel group belonging to Front Committee 19A and the Regional Sentro De Grabidad (RSDPG) and also the recovery of one M16 armalite rifle with serial no. 123746.
However, the authorities believed the enemies suffered more casualties as shown by blood stains in the route of withdrawal.
During the incident, the reinforcing elements of the 29IB under Col. Henry Robinson also traded shots with NPA blocking force while the 13th Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) likewise reinforced the Municipal Police Station. (Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Lianga police held ground vs NPA attack
BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 29 -- Police Chief Superintendent Reynaldo Rafal, Police Regional Office (PRO)-Caraga Regional Director in a press statement recently confirmed that no Lianga Municipal Station PNP personnel was hurt in the attack in Surigao del Sur as monitored by PNP early morning Thursday.
At around 5:00 o’clock on April 28, 2011, Lianga municipal police station was attacked armed members of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command of the CNN (CPP/NDF/NPA) but policemen with two Philippine Army personnel who were augmented to the police station defended themselves from the attacking terrorists who relentlessly engaged the station for over an hour even hurling Molotov bombs to demoralize the defending police and army personnel.
Lianga municipal police station put up a fight as CNN could not penetrate the police station due to its perimeter walls and guard tower.
Undaunted and unhurt, Lianga Police with the two army held on continuously as the reinforcing PNP and Philippine Army troops were unable to get near the station due to a huge CNN blocking forces pre-positioned along the highway before the attack where they burned used truck tires and firewood to block the road for the reinforcing government troops.
Rafal immediately issued order to alert all PNP units in the region due to the CNN attack while troops from 13th Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) were immediately deployed to secure the town and conducted hot pursuit operation together with the elements from 29th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army to track down the fleeing CNN after suffering casualties and leaving one of their comrades who was hit in the head and left behind with his M16 rifle during their staged attack.
The captured wounded CNN member identified as Eunelio Pison from Pong-on, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur was brought to Lianga District Hospital for immediate medical treatment and guarded thereat.
Rafal further appealed to the public to help PRO 13 and the AFP in their area in thwarting the CNN menace who inflicted fear to the public by reporting sightings of injured CNN members in their places as the result of the attack/encounter as the PNP and AFP swore a progressive, peaceful and developed CARAGA Region. (PSupt. Marvin Gamba, PRO-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
Surigaonon News: Lima ka mga Korean investors mingpresentar sa ilang proposed design kabahin na sa pagpalambo sa siyudad nan Surigao
by Annette Villaces
SURIGAO CITY, Apr. 29 (PIA) - Nahidangat na isab an laing grupo sa mga Korean investors niadto lamang Abril 24, 2011 diri sa atong siyudad diin niadtong miaging adlaw kini mihimu sa pagpresentar sa ilang proposal nga desenyo sa pagpalambo sa atong syudad ngadto na kan Mayor Ernesto T. Matugas lakip na isab kang Vice-Mayor Danilo Menor ug sa mga miyembro sa Sangguniang Panglungsod, samtang mitambong usab ang mga chief of offices o department heads sa maong panagtigum diha na sa City Cultural Center.
Nakilay-an na ang maong lima ka investors mao sila ni: Steven Huh, ang chairman sa PDI World Group, Dr. Jin Hyun-Seek, CEO sa Isaac Holdings, Mr. Lee Keun-Heung, ang presidente sa PDI World Group, Mr. Kwak Royeop, presidente isab sa PDI Engineering, ug si Ms. Harry Choi, ang director sa Isaac Holdings.
Sila mihimu sa pagpahayag sa mga sites kon mga lugar kung asa anaay ilang nakit-an nga kinahanglanong palambo-on ug kini gelangkuban na sa Surigao City Airport Terminal, Day-asan, Tagana-an, city proper, Market Place, ug lain pang bahin sa atong dakbayan.
Hinuon ilang napasabot ug klaro ang ilang tumong ug tuyo mao na ang pagtabang sa atong syudad nga mas mahimong sentro sa turismo ug mulambo pa sa sunod nga lima ka tuig. Si Mr. Steve Huh, Chairman sa PDI World Group mingpa-abot sa iyang daku nga pagpasalamt ngadto na kang Mayor Matugas sa gihatag niini nga higayon aron sila makapresentar sa maong proposal.
Samtang daku usab ang kalipay ni Mayor Ernesto Matugas sa gipakita nga interes sa maong mga Korean Investors tungod kay nanggawas na gyud ang resulta sa iyang paglarga-larga aron mangita ug mga investors nga mutabang sa pagpalambo nan ato syudad.
Ang maong proposal muagi pa sa igong pagtuki ug pagtuon tungod sa rason isab nga walay igong pondo ang syudad sa Surigao, pero gisiguro gajud ni Mayor Matugas nga bisan dili man kung tanan maangkon, jaon gajuy pipila sa mga gipropose ang mahatagan ug pagtagad ug posible nga mahimu nan siyudad. (PIO-Surigao City/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Tagalog News: P50-M pondo inilaan para sa agrikultura sa 2011
ni David M. Suyao
AGUSAN DEL SUR, Apr. 29 (PIA) – Naglaan ang Tanggapan ng Agricultura ng Agusan del Sur (Provincial Agriculture Office or PAO) ng P50 milyon para sa taong 2011 upang tustusan ang produksyon ng pagkain. Ito ay upang matugunan ang pangangailangan sa pagkain ng lalawigan. May banta ng kakulangan ng pagkain nito dala ng mga pagbabaha kamakailan lamang.
Ayon kay Armando Lagumbay, hepe ng PAO, ang pondo gugugulin sa programang diversified farming system, pagpapalago ng produksyon ng mga prutas, gulay at saging, pangingisda sa tabang na tubigan at mga programang pang hayopan.
Bukod dito, ilalaan ang pondo sa proyektong pangkabuhayan gaya ng pagpaunlad ng micro-enterprise, tulong para sa pang empleyo at pagpaunlad ng Agusan Marsh Ecolodge para suportahan ang lumalagong turismo ng lalawigan.
Ayon din kay Lagumbay ang pondo ay hahatiin sa mga sumusunod na proyekto: P24 milyon para sa diversified farming at pagpapaunlad ng produksyon ng palay at mais; P5 milyon para sa pagpapalago ng produksyon ng mga prutas, gulay at saging; P600,000 para sa pangingisda; P350,000 para sa organic farming; P1 milyon para sa provincial soil laboratory; at higit sa P600,000 para sa mga espesyal na mga proyekto.
Ang tanggapan ng beterinaryo ay naglaan din ng mahigit P9 milyon para sa pagpapaunlad ng kahayopan gaya ng kambing at baka. Ang Agusan del Sur Economic Research and Business Center ay naglaan din ng P8 milyon para sa mga programang pangkabuhayan at rehabilitasyon ng patubig.
Ayon kay Lagumbay mahigit kumulang mga P3 milyon ang kanilang inilaan para sa pagpapaunlad ng Agusan Marsh Ecolodge at ito ay manggagaling sa tanggapan ng turismo.
Ang tanggapan ng PAO ay katulong lamang dahil halos lahat ng palayan ay nasa loob o malapit sa Agusan marsh. Ayon pa kay Lagumbay, ang pondong kanyang inilahad ay manggagaling lamang sa pamahalaang probinsyal at di pa kasali rito ang mga pondong galing sa suporta ng mga pambansang tanggapan at dayuhan. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)
CPP/NPA fails to overrun Lianga police
by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan
TANDAG CITY, Apr. 29 (PIA) – Lianga, Surigao del Sur Police Station was reportedly harassed/attacked at 5:30 a.m., Thursday, April 28 by around 100 fully-armed members of the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army and National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF) otherwise known as CNN.
Report said that the CNN was led by a certain alias “Pidot” of the Regional Sentro de Grabidad (RSDG), North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC).
Intermittent firefight ensued and lasted for about two hours. However, Capt. Ramiel Fugnit, 29IB community monitoring officer said the attacking CNN elements were not able to overrun the police station, which was augmented by two personnel from 29IB, Philippine Army led by 1Lt Guibone with one Simba fighting vehicle reinforcing the engaged PNP station troops and which arrived at Lianga at about 7:15 a.m. on the same day.
Reports say that one civilian was reportedly wounded identified as Herminia Lozada, 45 years old on her left foot and three minors were in state of trauma. They were all passengers of the white Van Starex on its way to Tandag City.
Meanwhile, officials also said that there were no casualties reported on the government side. Also, hot pursuit operation is now conducted by the troops of the Philippine Army to run after the perpetrators. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
