IFAD Design Mission for Project CONVERGE in Caraga completed – DA
by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, July 1 (PIA) –- Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Caraga Regional Director Faisar Mambuay recently said the regional office was able to complete the International Fund for Agricultural Development’s (IFAD’s) Design Mission for Project CONVERGE because of the successful implementation of the Northern Mindanao Communities Initiative Resource Management Project (NMCIREMP).
In his speech during the recent gathering with the local media here, Dir. Mambuay emphasized that DAR-Caraga have already talked to various resource groups from farmers, to leaders, and even possible investors. “This is to ensure that we can come up with the best model for this project,” Mambuay added.
Meanwhile, the region’s agrarian reform chief is also grateful to their partners in rural development both in the government and the private sector. He said, they played a vital role in the implementation of all the projects of the department so that more farmers will benefit.
“We would like to thank you (partners) that throughout the years, you have been in partner with us. And like those years, it is this time that we need to tighten our bonds to realize our commitment towards social justice,” Dir. Mambuay said.
Further, Mambuay urged the farmers to continuously cooperate with the plans and programs set forth by the department. “To the farmers whom we have dedicated our labor and life, I know that the road that we travel was quite hard, and the journey has been tough, but surely, with your full cooperation, we will get there,” he said.
The recent gathering with the members of the local tri-media in this city is in time with the celebration of the 23rd anniversary of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). (PIA-Caraga)
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Workshop on STEP for Effective Waste Management
by Mary Christine Anthonette M. Salise
BUTUAN CITY, July 1 –- In an effort to strengthen the implementation of Republic Act 9003 otherwise known as “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000,” the DILG Regional Office XIII in partnership with Agencia Espanola de Cooperacion para el Desarrollo (AECID) conducted a Training Workshop on Social Transformation through Environmental Program (STEP) for Effective Waste Management on June 29-30, 2011 in Goat2geder Hotel and Restaurant.
The workshop, which is an offshoot of the first STEP conducted last 2009, was attended by City and Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators, Environmental and Natural Resources Officers, Sangguniang Panlungsod and Sangguniang Bayan Chair on Committee on Environmental Concerns or its equivalent, City and Municipal Local Government Operations Officers, Liga ng mga Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Presidents of Butuan City, Surigao City, Bislig City, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, Trento, Agusan del Sur, Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte, San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands .
The STEP Workshop is aimed at increasing the awareness of key local officials and functionaries on the pressing issues on waste management to assist local government units come up with effective strategies and action plans to help address environmental and solid waste management concerns.
The DILG through the Workshop was able to look into the waste management programs and policies of each local government unit and help the latter identify gaps why such policies are not being properly implemented.
“Let us revisit our legislative measures in addressing environmental concerns and see how we can improve them to mitigate destructive effects of the worsening condition of our environment,” said DILG Assistant Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion in her welcome remarks.
During the workshop, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur Mayor Candelario J. Viola, Jr., shared Hinatuan’s Good Practices in Solid Waste Management through an audio-visual presentation for possible replication by LGUs. A beauty contest was also conducted within the course of the training with participants dressed in gowns made from indigenous or recycled materials.
At the end of the workshop, the participants presented their action plans for effective solid waste management as one of their measures in achieving climate-proof LGUs. (DILG-XIII/PIA-Caraga)
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Summer youth camp held
by Angie Balen-Antonio
BUTUAN CITY, July 1 -– A Summer Youth Camp was recently held, which was jointly sponsored by the Commission on Population and the Local Government Units of Surigao del Sur, Province of Dinagat Islands and cities of Butuan and Surigao.
POPCOM deemed that the gathering of the youth was aligned with the thrust of the agency along the Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program (AHYDP) which aimed at providing correct information that will help the youth understand their sexuality, develop right values and help the youth make responsible decisions to prepare them for adulthood.
RD Pangan stressed that the camp was a good venue of the participants in discovering their inner selves and gained more friends as some structured learning exercises and team building activities were introduced.
“Building-up the confidence and developing one’s value and leadership skills among the youth was of paramount importance because they are the future leaders”, Pangan quoted.
Participants expressed their appreciation to the organizers because they were the chosen few who were so lucky having participated the said camp. During the closing ceremony, one of the participants shared that it was her first time to join such activity and she discovered how to overcome fear and shyness.
“Joining the camp is a dream come true and an answered prayer because I only heard it from a friend. Indeed, I‘m so thankful to the sponsored for having enlisted me thus making my summer vacation more productive “, she shyly spoken.
About 200 participants attended the 3-day Summer Youth Camp which was conducted in four batches.It dealt on the Inter and intra personal communication, The Filipino Youth Situationer, Responsible Sexuality, Confronting threats of too early sexual involvement, Living Effectively with Parents and Four powers of leadership.
Recognizing the importance of community outreach, a plan of activities was developed during the summer camp.
The action plan will be implemented in their respective localities which focused on clean and green, IEC/advocacy activities through barangay and school to school visitation, Symposium on Responsible Sexuality and promotion of the youth center. (POPCOM-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
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Dinagat province celebrates Disaster Consciousness Month
SURIGAO CITY, July 1 (PIA) -– The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRM) of Dinagat Islands has unveiled a series of activities for this year’s celebration of the National Disaster Consciousness Month anchored on the theme, “Makialam, Makiisa, Sa Pagsugpo ng Panganib, May Maitutulong Ka.”
As today marks the 1st day of the celebration, Office of Civil Defense Dinagat Islands Deputized Coordinator Rosario Roxas enjoined all PDRRMC member agencies and stakeholders to hang streamers bearing this year’s theme.
She also said that the barangay officials and constituents of the municipality of San Jose along with Dinagat Islands Search and Rescue (DISAR) will be having a declogging and clearing of canals/drainage system this afternoon in the said town.
“Generally, the conceptualized program of events is focused on Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation,” Roxas said.
The said activity is in consonance with Presidential Decree #137 dated August 10, 1999 declaring July as the National Disaster Consciousness Month. (PDRRMC-Dinagat Islands/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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DAR Agusan del Norte to distribute CLOA
by Gil E. Miranda
BUTUAN CITY, July 1 -– In line with the celebration of the 23rd Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) Anniversary, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Agusan del Norte Provincial Office will distribute some 67.9718 hectares of Cerftificate of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs) to 97 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries in the municipality of Jabonga today.
The activity will be graced by town Mayor Glicerio M. Monton, Jr., assisted by DAR-Caraga Regional Director Faisar A. Mambuay, Daylinda P. Narisma, Assistant Regional Director for Administration, and Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO) Andre B. Atega of DAR Provincial Office.
The said CLOA distribution will be one of the highlights of the agency’s celebration marking the 23rd CARP anniversary.
PARO Atega congratulates the farmer-beneficiaries for the land they can call their own and urges them to make use of the opportunities it offers by working hard to improve their income and standard of living.
Under the CARP Program, about 28, 280 hectares of agricultural lands or 78% of 36,094 of its total working scope are already ditributed to about 15,652 farmer-beneficiaries across the province, it was learned. (DAR-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Caraga)
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Tagalog News: Programang pangkabataan, patuloy na pinagtibay sa Agusan del Norte
by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, Hulyo 1 (PIA) –- Patuloy na pinagtibay ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Agusan del Norte ang mga programang naglalayong mabigyan ng pansin ang kahalagahan ng mga kabataan.
Kamakailan lang, sinabi ni Gob. Erlpe John Amante, punong lalawigan ng Agusan del Norte na isa sa pangunahing tinututukan ngayong ng kaniyang administrasyon ay ang usaping pangkalusugan ng mga teenagers kung saan ang mga lider na mismo ng Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) ang nagpapasimuno sa kani-kanilang mga barangay.
Dagdag pa ni Amante, ang pagtitipon upang pag-usapan ang tungkol sa reproductive health ng mga kabataang kababaihan ay regular na isinasagawa ng mga SK Chairmen sa kanilang lugar. Ito’y upang masiguro na bago pa man pumasok sa sekswal na aktibidad ang mga kabataan ay alam na nila ang mga nararapat gawin upang mapanatili ang maayos na kalusugan.
Pinag-uusapan din sa nasabing mga pagtitipon ang tungkol sa fertility awareness, Sexually-Transmitted Diseases o STDs kung saan ito ay maaaring makukuha sa mga paaralan at barangay at nang sa gayon, mabigyan ng kaalaman ang mga kabataan tungkol sa kahalagahan ng personalidad.
Sinabi rin ng opisyal na naniniwala ang kaniyang administrasyon sa kahalagahan ng paggabay sa mga kabataan upang sila’y lumaking responsible, may takot sa Diyos, at maaasahan bilang pag-asa ng bayan. (PIA-Caraga)
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Cebuano News: Aquino miaprobar sa P1.816 trillion nga budget sa 2012
ni Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Hulyo 1 (PIA) -– Si Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III miaprobar niadtong Miyerkules, Hunyo 29, 2011 sa P1.816 trillion national budget sa 2011.
Sa gihimong press conference didto sa New Executive Building kagahapong adlawa Huwebes, Hunyo 30, 2011, si Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad miingon nga ang 2012 proposed budget mas taas ug 10.12 porseyento kaysa kasamtangang budget nga P1.645 trillion.
Si Abad miingon nga human sa 5-ka oras nga cabinet meeting niadtong Miyerkules ang pangulo miaprobar sa 2012 proposed budget nga “nagtumong sa pagpakusog sa reporma sa pampublikong gasto aron maseguro nga mapokus sa 16-point social contract sa Pangulo.”
Ang 2012 proposed national budget gikatakdang esumiter sa Kongreso karong Hulyo 26, usa ka adlaw human sa State of the nation Address (SONA) ni Pangulong Aquino.
“Nasimulan na nating tahakin ang daan tungo sa paggugol na matuwid. Ngayon naman, pinag-iibayo natin ang reporma sa pamamagitan ng pagsiguro na ang benepisyo ng paggastos ng gobyerno ay diretso sa tao (We have started the journey towards prudent and effective public expenditure management. We are now escalating reform by ensuring that the benefits of public spending will go directly to the people),” si Abad miingon.
Siya miingon ang 2012 proposed budget nagtutok sa five keys areas of the social contract, nga mao ang anti-corruption ug good governance, poverty reduction ug ang empowerment of the poor, inclusive economic growth, just ug lasting peace, ug ang rule of law ug integrity of the environment.
Sa kinatibuk-ang proposed budget, ang social services maoy nakakuha sa pinakadakong bahin nga P573 billion o 31.6% nga nadugangan og 10 porseyento kumpara sa kasamtangang alokasyon nga P521.4 billion.
Si Abad miingon nga ang social services nagtutok sa modernization sa public basic education, pagpalapad sa public health ngadto sa mga katawhan, ug pagpalapad sa Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
Aron masuportahan ang paspas, inklusibo ug sustenableng paglambo, ang economic services sector nakaangkon sa ikaduhang dakong bahin nga P442.1 billion o 24% sa kinatibuk-ang proposed budget, nga mitaas ug 22.2% sa ilang P361.9 billion nga kasamtangang budget.
“In particular, infrastructure and other capital outlays – especially those supporting agriculture, tourism and industrial development – has been given greater emphasis with a 27.2% increase to P243.9 billion in 2012 from P191.7 billion,” si Abad miingon.
Ang ikatulong pinakadakong alokasyon sa budget gituyo alang sa general public services sector nga P322.3 billion o 17.7 porseyento, nga mitaas ug 11.9% gikan sa P288.12 billion nga kasamtangang budget.
Ang defense sector makadawat sa P111.4 billion o 6.1 porseyento sa proposed budget, nga mitaas og 9.9% nga dugang sa kasamtangang budget nga 101.4 billion.
Aron dugang sustener sa fiscal consolidation efforts, si Abad miingon nga ang bahin sa palas-anon sa utang sa national proposed budget mikunhod ngadto sa P367.2 billion o 20.2 porseyento gikan sa P372.1 billion o 22.6% nga 2011 budget.
Si Abad midugang nga ang Department of Budget and Management nagtunong sa fiscal deficit nga P286 billion o 2.6 % sa gross domestic product (GDP) sa 2012, nga mas ubos sa target karong tuiga nga P300 billion o 3 porseyento sa GDP.
Si Abad usab mianunsyo nga ang top ten departments nga adunay dakong alokasyon sa budget mao ang Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Public Works and Highways ug ang Department of Agriculture.
Siya miingon nga ang DepEd modawat sa P237 billion o 14.4 porseyento kumpara sa P207.3 billion budget sa 2011 nga magsuporta sa pagpuno sa kakulangan sa mga eskuylahan, magtutudlo ug mga butang kahibalo sama sa textbooks og uban pa.
Ang DSWD modawat sa P53.6 billion o 56% gikan sa kasamtangang P34.3 billion nga national budget gituyo aron pagsuporta sa 3 million households ubos sa conditional cash transfer program gikan sa 2.3 million karong tuiga; DPWH, P125.9 million o usbaw nga 13.8 porseyento gikan sa P110.6 karong tuiga alang sa pag semento sa mga kadalanan sa tanang national primary ug secondary roads ug bridges sulod sa termino ni Pangulong Aquino.
Ang Department of Agriculture, P52.9 billion o mitaas sa 50.4 porseyento gikan sa P35.2 billion, alang sa pag-uli sa mga irrigation systems alang sa mokabat 54,000 hectares nga agricultural lands ug rehabilitasyon sa mokabat 86,000 hectares aron makab-ot ang nasodnong rice self-sufficiency goals.
“The 2012 budget is the first budget that will be fully prepared, legislated and executed under the Aquino administration so we want to really ensure that the Aquino brand of governance is fully reflected in the national budget,” dugang ni Abad. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
