Civilians, NPA rebels killed during Trento attack
by David M. Suyao
AGUSAN DEL SUR, August 1 (PIA) – Two civilians and undetermined Communist Party of the Philippines/ New People’s Army/ National Democratic Front (CNN) members were killed while two policemen, a civilian and undetermined number of CNN were wounded when the latter attacked Trento municipal police station early morning of July 30, 2011.
According to police report, killed at the height of firefight was station aide of Trento Police Station Salvador Rall , and another Virgelio Perocho, an aide of the composite team checkpoint in Pulang Lupa during the withdrawal of the CNN and encountering the re-enforcing PNP from Sta. Josefa at around 6:00 a.m. that day.
Slightly wounded during the encounter were PO1 Joel Lazarte of Agusan del Sur PPSC, PO3 Mhel Cubo of Trento MPS, and another civilian named Alexander Lagulao, a member of the revenue action team of the provincial government of Agusan del Sur during the withdrawal encounter in Barangay Pulang Lupa. Undetermined casualties and wounded were inflected to the CNN as stated by an eyewitness, and as evidenced by the blood stains at the periphery of the PNP station.
According to Trento chief of police P/Insp. Charity Galvez, the perpetrators on board three Isuzu forward trucks surrounded the municipal ground at around 5:00 in the morning of July 30 but were spotted by police on duty. In an instant, firefight ensued for almost an hour, wounding the two policemen and killing a civilian aide.
“On the first fire burst, I just secured my baby and position myself for battle. I saw that on the left side of the station protected by dump tires, a police was positioned, returning fire towards the attackers. On the other side, another policeman was fighting his best defending our position, while I also fired (at the enemy)...I can say, we are also very lucky our provincial director, P/SSupt. Jerome Baxinela sent two teams from PPSC the day before to augment our forces in the southern part of the province because of our request, and their re-enforcement drove the enemy away...” P/Insp. Galvez said.
According to police report, at 3:30 in the morning of July 31, Bislig City Police Station received cellular phone report that two persons wounded with gunshots were admitted at Bislig District Hospital. Upon verification, the two wounded named Sammy Calibayan, 35, a resident of La Fortuna, Veruela and Ricky Salde, 28, a resident of New Bataan, Trento admitted that they were members of the group that attacked Trento MPS on July 30, 2011.
The two also disclosed that many of their companions were killed during the firefight and were buried in an undisclosed area by their comrades. On that day, July 31, the two were transferred to the D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)
DOT-Caraga chief vows to support business confab
by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, August 1 (PIA) – Department of Tourism (DOT)-Caraga Regional Director Leticia dela Cruz-Tan vowed to support the 17th Caraga Business Conference and other initiatives of the region that aims to uplift the tourism industry of Caraga.
In a recent press conference, Dir. Tan said the tourism department will always support activities that are of regional and national significance.
She said tourism can contributed much in the economic development of the country.
Dir. Tan also said that “tourism doesn’t need big investments" but generates huge revenues and more job opportunities.
Tan further said Butuan City has a lot of tourism potential in terms of historical tourism.
"The city has a lot of potential in terms of historical tourism,” Tan said.
Furthermore, Tan said the 17th Caraga Business Conference will also give opportunity to the city of Butuan to showcase the tourism potentials in the city, as the activity will gather businessmen and entrepreneurs not only from Caraga Region, but as well as in other places in the country.
“This is the reason why DOT is supporting the conduct of the business conference,” Tan said.
The Caraga Business Conference will be held on August 3 and 4, 2011 at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, this city. This year’s activity is anchored on the theme: “Pushing for a Progressive Caraga”. (PIA-Caraga)
Butuan dad to report state of the city today
by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, August 1 (PIA) – City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. here is scheduled to deliver the State of the City Address (SOCA) today in one of the local convention centers here.
The chief executive’s SOCA will primarily focus on reporting the accomplishments of his administration for the past 13 months, after he assumed his position on June 30, 2011.
This year’s SOCA of Mayor Amante is conducted in time with the 61st Charter Day Celebration of the city tomorrow, Tuesday, August 2.
According to reliable source, Mayor Amante will give emphasis on the poverty alleviation program of his administration that will also encourage potential business investors to put up investments here.
It can be recalled that during the press conference held recently, Mayor Amante vowed to support possible investors who are planning to establish call center in the city. This, according to Amante, will give the opportunity to the city in terms of jobs generation.
Meanwhile, on July 4, 2011, MalacaΓ±an Palace declared August 2 as a special non-working day here as per Proclamation No. 197, to give the people of Butuan City an opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies. (PIA-Caraga)
Bislig Bay is negative from red tide toxin, BFAR says
by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, August 1 (PIA) – Bislig Bay in Surigao del Sur is negative from red tide toxin. However, shellfish collected at Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboang del Sur, Murcielagos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental, and Masinloc Bay in Zambales tested positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit.
According to the latest shellfish bulletin issued by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the affected areas mentioned are not safe for human consumption.
BFAR also warned the public that fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly. Internal organs such as gills and intestines should be removed before cooking, BFAR said.
After testing positive for red tide toxin in previous months based on BFAR’s shellfish bulletin, Bislig Bay in Surigao del Sur as well as the coastal areas of Hinatuan and Lianga, all in Surigao del Sur are now negative of the said toxin. (PIA-Caraga)
Civil society orgs and LGU conducts peace caravan, confab
by Mark Louie B. Desoloc
BUTUAN CITY, August 1 (PIA) – Gawad Kalinga (GK), together with the Father Saturnino Urios University and the city government of Butuan conducted the Highway of Peace (HOPE) Caravan and Conference 2011 recently in Libertad, Butuan City.
The conference was aimed at strengthening the peace building initiatives in Mindanao through sharing of experiences.
GK representatives said that the organization is not only about building houses, but also aimed to build relationships that were long broken because of various conflicts in Mindanao.
Participants from various local government units, non-profit and non-government organizations, academe, religious and the youth sector in Mindanao converged here to embrace the event.
During the plenary session Ms. Jainab Abdulmajid, GK Area Coordinator in Sulu shared her experiences in the conflict areas in Sulu and how Gawad Kalinga restored peace in the conflicted areas.
Breakout session followed where participants shared their views, commitment and their dreams for a peaceful Mindanao. On the second day, the breakout session groups presented their views and strategies that will contribute to the peace building efforts in Mindanao.
The GK HOPE Caravan is held annually from different areas and provinces in Mindanao. This was the first HOPE caravan celebrated through conference. (PIA-Caraga)
BIR-Surigao del Sur Beats Target, TOS Collection in Caraga for first semester
by Greg Tataro, Jr.
TANDAG CITY, August 1, (PIA) – The Revenue District Office (RDO) 106 of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Surigao del Sur had overshot its collection target for the first half of 2011, thereby besting all district offices in Caraga Region in Revenue collection for said period.
According to Revenue District Officer (RDO) Amanoding Esmail, highest tax collection was posted in the past year.
Esmail explained his office had collected as much as P270,657,720.18 from January to June 2011, an increase of 32.15 percent as compared to the same period last year.
Esmail noted regional collection increased by 5.11 percent compared to the same period last year.
In other development, RDO Email confirmed the forthcoming 107th BIR Anniversary celebration on August 1.
However, he told Radyo ng Bayan here that the celebration will be conducted at the regional office in Butuan City on August 9.
Esmail said, a sportsfest and awarding of Plaques of Recognition and Certificates of Appreciation to Individual and Corporate Taxpayers will also highlight the occasion. (Radyo ng Bayan Tandag/PIA Surigao del Sur)
Caraga municipalities get seal of good housekeeping
by Mary Christine Anthonette M. Salise
BUTUAN CITY, August 1 – Some 40 municipalities in Caraga Region belonging to the 4th to 6th class passed the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) Program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for 2011.
According to DILG-Caraga Regional Director Atty. Rene Burdeos, these municipalities can avail the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) which has been provided under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2011 as a support fund to finance local development initiatives in furtherance of national government goals and strategic thrusts. These municipalities are entitled to one million (P1,000,000) PCF subsidy.
Eligible projects are those aligned to the following priorities: 1) attainment of millennium development goals; 2) local economic development; and 3) adaptation to climate change and preparedness for disaster.
Formal conferment on the Seal will be arranged by the DILG Regional Office.
SGH recognizes local government units that do not receive adverse or "disclaimer opinion" from the Commission on Audit (COA) on their financial statements for Calendar Year 2010.
This also shows that they also complied with the full disclosure policy of budget, bids and offerings. This includes posting these information in conspicuous places, disseminating in local media and website.
The eligible municipalities are as follows: 1) Carmen, Agusan del Norte; 2) Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte; 3) Magallanes, Agusan del Norte; 4) Remedios T. Romualdez, Agusan del Norte; 5) Santiago, Agusan del Norte; 6) Tubay, Agusan del Norte; 7) Basilisa, Province of Dinagat Islands; 8) Dinagat, Province of Dinagat Islands; 9) Libjo, Province of Dinagat Islands; 10) Loreto, Province of Dinagat Islands; 11) San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands; 12) Tubajon, Province of Dinagat Islands; 13) Alegria, Surigao del Norte; 14) Bacuag, Surigao del Norte; 15) Burgos, Surigao del Norte; 16. Dapa, Surigao del Norte; 17) Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte; 18) General Luna, Surigao del Norte; 19) Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte; 20) Mainit, Surigao del Norte; 21) Malimono, Surigao del Norte; 22) Pilar, Surigao del Norte; 23) Placer, Surigao del Norte; 24) San Benito, Surigao del Norte; 25) San Francisco, Surigao del Norte; 26) San Isidro, Surigao del Norte; 27) Sta. Monica, Surigao del Norte; 28) Sison, Surigao del Norte; 29) Socorro, Surigao del Norte; 30) Taganaan, Surigao del Norte; 31) Tubod, Surigao del Norte; 32) Bayabas, Surigao del Sur; 33) Cagwait, Surigao del Sur; 34) Carmen, Surigao del Sur; 35) Carrascal, Surigao del Sur; 36) Cortes, Surigao del Sur; 37) Lanuza, Surigao del Sur; 38) Lianga, Surigao del Sur; 39) Madrid, Surigao del Sur and; 40) San Agustin, Surigao del Sur. (DILG-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
NPA kills 3 civilians in Agusan del Sur attack
by Lt Charlene Gabatin
SURIGAO DEL SUR, August 1 – The PNP station in Trento, Agusan del Sur was attacked at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, July 30 by around 40 CPP/NPA/NDF (CNN), killing at least three civilians.
The police officers of the said station stood their ground and fought back against the rebels even as the fire fight lasted for almost an hour. The encounter resulted in the wounding of one (1) policeman and the untimely death of three (3) civilians where one of whom was a former CAFGU.
The insurgents were seen to have headed towards Pulang Lupa – New Visayas road of Trento Agusan del Sur.
“This failed attack is nothing but an act of desperation,” said Col. Romeo G. Gan, 401st brigade commander.
It can be recalled that a similar attempt also failed when the NPA attacked but failed to seize the Lianga PNP station in Surigao del Sur in May this year.
The communist rebels are very desperate for funds that they have to resort to attacking soft targets in order to sow fear and bolster their extortion activities, said Gan. Unfortunately for them, businessmen and some local executives are now resisting them resulting to reduced collection targets. “Pera, pera lang” that is their bottomline, he added.
“I call on them to rejoin society and be part of the country’s march to progress. That is their only chance to win,” he said. (PIA Surigao del Sur)
Feature: GAWA: Women at the forefront of struggle for a better life
by Lyziel I. Ampo
A tale of success is woven in the small community of Gacub in Barangay Hinapoyan, Carmen, Surigao del Sur, where a group of women belonging to the Manobo tribe has bravely weathered obstacles and persisted to improve their lives.
The Gacub Women’s Association, aptly called as GAWA (which in vernacular means “work” or “product”) is the product of brave women’s hard work and dedication, starting with a micro-lending project to respond to its members’ need for additional capitalization on farm inputs and other related needs.
Proving itself as a viable organization, Gawa received capital assistance for rice trading from the same project, as well as seed capital for the operation of a Rural Pharmacy and General Merchandise Store that cater to the needs of the community people who have long been deprived of reasonably priced medicines and basic commodities, primarily due to Gacub’s remoteness.
Consequently, Gacub people are benefiting from Gawa’s successful ventures. For instance, rice is now available at a more affordable price of P32-35, which is a huge relief from the usual P38-35 per kilo. Aside from offering quality goods at reasonable prices, Gawa has also instituted mechanisms that are responsive to the members’ and the community’s needs, winning the people’s loyalty and patronage to their bueisness ventures, a indicated by the significant growth of the business in terms of capitalization.
Jessica Quilano, a Gawa member said, “With an earning of P300 per week and before Gawa became operational, it was very difficult to secure rice and other household needs. Nobody would let you borrow money or allow credit from the grocery stores.” Jessica and her family have greatly benefitted from Gawa’s business ventures. As a member, she anticipates a good share in the organization’s first profit-sharing in July 2011.
One important factor has contributed to Gawa’s early success is the fact that the leaders have been equipped with the necessary skills and competences in organizational, financial an and business management, so that systems are in place, and records are kept and even available for members to access anytime.
Gawa as an organization still has long way to go. A concern now is to install sustainability mechanisms for the organization to be able to continue serving the community and multiply the benefits that are now being reaped. (PIA- Surigao del Sur)
Cebuano News: DPWH misiguro sa mga turista sa maayong kalsada sa surfing site sa Siargao
ni Michael Conte ug Dandy Lapura
DAPA, Siargao Island, August 1 (PIA) – Si Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Siargao District Engineer Salvador E. Montil, Jr. mihatag karon ug kasuguan sa pagkuha sa mga ilegal nga mga struktura subay sa General Luna (GL) – Catangnan road, padulong sa surfing site sa munisipyo sa General Luna (GL) para dili malangan ang kauswagan sa maayong kalsada didto.
Ang proyekto sa GL-Catangnan nga dalan mokantidad kini sa P9.8 milyon.
“Ang DPWH nagsaad karon sa mga turista sa maayo nga kalsada padulong sa mga nang-unang mga beaches, resorts ug surfing area diin ang international surfing competitions ipasiugda karon Septyembre,” ingon ni Montil.
“Inig kahuman sa bidding process sa proyekto, ang district office musugod dayon sa pag implementar ug sa pagkompleto sa proyekto sayo pa sa skedyul,” dugang ni Montil.
Gilakip pud ang widening ug gravelling sa proyekto sa kauswagan sa mga kalsada. (DPWH/PIA-SDN)
Surigaonon News: Education caravan, panambay sa barangay ug tigum sa mga kapitanes gihimo sa lungsod sa Malimono
ni Jun Parada
SURIGAO CITY, August 1 – Intiro adlaw an tagbuhos na oras ni Gobernador Sol Matugas ug Vice Governor Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr., niadtong miaging semana didto sa lungsod sa Malimono, diin ang team capitol migikan sa syudad alas 6:00 sa buntag ug namauli gikan sa Malimono alas 6:00 sa gabii.
Ang isa ka adlaw na pagbisita sa team ni Gobernador Matugas mao ang pagpadajon sa pagbisita sa mga eskwelahan aron isab ija mahimamat ang mga tinun-an ug mga ginikanan lakip na usab ang pagtunol sa mga health kits alang sa mga tinun-an sa kinder garten ug grade 1 na magamit sa ilang inadlaw-adlaw na kaugalingon duyog ang pag-atiman sa panglawas sa ginikanan diha sa ilang panimalay.
Si Gobernador Matugas ug Vice Governor Egay nagsugod pagbisita didto sa pinakalayong barangay nga mao ang Pili Elementary School ug sunod ang Can-aga Elem. School, Dumanig Primary School, Cantapoy Elem. School, Cansayong Elem. School, Bunyasan Elem. School, Hanagdong Elem. School, Masgad Elem. School, Malimono Central Elem. School u gang Cag-tinae Elem. School.
Samtang gipahigayon usab ang panambay sa barangay didto sa mga barangay sa Pili, Cantapoy ug Masgad sa pagpanguna ni Provincial Health Officer Dr. Leonora Andanar, diin ang mga katawhan nakapahimuyos sa libreng ibot sa ngipon, libreng medical check up, tuli, papsmear sa mga kababainhan ug ang paghatag sa libreng tambal.
Ug pagka alas singko sa hapon tagpahigayon usab ang tigum sa mga kapitanes uban ang si Gobernador Matugas ug Vice Governor Egay, lakip sa mga nahisgutan sa maong tigum mao ang mga priority projects sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka mga barangay sma sa paghatag og Day Care Center kantidad P400,000, paghatag puhonan para sa panginabuhian sa mga katawhan, pag-ayo sa mga kadayanan u gang pag-improbar sa Nokos Bolingit na magsilbing produkto sa Malimono para sa Surigao’s best.
Atol sa maong tigum gimanduan ni Gobernador Matugas si Malimono Mayor Teodoro Senaca, Jr. ug mga kapitanes nga tutukan ang pagtaas sa koleksyon sa buhis ilabina na sa real property tax ug kinahanglan zero drop out gyod ang matag tunghaan.
Samtang si Mayor Senaca mipadayag sa iyang dakong pasalamat ngadto kang Gobernador Matugas sa iyang paghatag og importansya sa mga katawhan sa lungsod sa Malimono ilabina kay sila nahisakop sa 5th class municipality ug ang pagpa-ayo sa mga kadalanan niini hinungdan nga ang mga kadalanan karon sa lungsod dili na libaongon. (Provincial Information Center/ PIA-Surigao del Norte)
AGUSAN DEL SUR, August 1 (PIA) – Two civilians and undetermined Communist Party of the Philippines/ New People’s Army/ National Democratic Front (CNN) members were killed while two policemen, a civilian and undetermined number of CNN were wounded when the latter attacked Trento municipal police station early morning of July 30, 2011.
According to police report, killed at the height of firefight was station aide of Trento Police Station Salvador Rall , and another Virgelio Perocho, an aide of the composite team checkpoint in Pulang Lupa during the withdrawal of the CNN and encountering the re-enforcing PNP from Sta. Josefa at around 6:00 a.m. that day.
Slightly wounded during the encounter were PO1 Joel Lazarte of Agusan del Sur PPSC, PO3 Mhel Cubo of Trento MPS, and another civilian named Alexander Lagulao, a member of the revenue action team of the provincial government of Agusan del Sur during the withdrawal encounter in Barangay Pulang Lupa. Undetermined casualties and wounded were inflected to the CNN as stated by an eyewitness, and as evidenced by the blood stains at the periphery of the PNP station.
According to Trento chief of police P/Insp. Charity Galvez, the perpetrators on board three Isuzu forward trucks surrounded the municipal ground at around 5:00 in the morning of July 30 but were spotted by police on duty. In an instant, firefight ensued for almost an hour, wounding the two policemen and killing a civilian aide.
“On the first fire burst, I just secured my baby and position myself for battle. I saw that on the left side of the station protected by dump tires, a police was positioned, returning fire towards the attackers. On the other side, another policeman was fighting his best defending our position, while I also fired (at the enemy)...I can say, we are also very lucky our provincial director, P/SSupt. Jerome Baxinela sent two teams from PPSC the day before to augment our forces in the southern part of the province because of our request, and their re-enforcement drove the enemy away...” P/Insp. Galvez said.
According to police report, at 3:30 in the morning of July 31, Bislig City Police Station received cellular phone report that two persons wounded with gunshots were admitted at Bislig District Hospital. Upon verification, the two wounded named Sammy Calibayan, 35, a resident of La Fortuna, Veruela and Ricky Salde, 28, a resident of New Bataan, Trento admitted that they were members of the group that attacked Trento MPS on July 30, 2011.
The two also disclosed that many of their companions were killed during the firefight and were buried in an undisclosed area by their comrades. On that day, July 31, the two were transferred to the D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)
DOT-Caraga chief vows to support business confab
by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, August 1 (PIA) – Department of Tourism (DOT)-Caraga Regional Director Leticia dela Cruz-Tan vowed to support the 17th Caraga Business Conference and other initiatives of the region that aims to uplift the tourism industry of Caraga.
In a recent press conference, Dir. Tan said the tourism department will always support activities that are of regional and national significance.
She said tourism can contributed much in the economic development of the country.
Dir. Tan also said that “tourism doesn’t need big investments" but generates huge revenues and more job opportunities.
Tan further said Butuan City has a lot of tourism potential in terms of historical tourism.
"The city has a lot of potential in terms of historical tourism,” Tan said.
Furthermore, Tan said the 17th Caraga Business Conference will also give opportunity to the city of Butuan to showcase the tourism potentials in the city, as the activity will gather businessmen and entrepreneurs not only from Caraga Region, but as well as in other places in the country.
“This is the reason why DOT is supporting the conduct of the business conference,” Tan said.
The Caraga Business Conference will be held on August 3 and 4, 2011 at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, this city. This year’s activity is anchored on the theme: “Pushing for a Progressive Caraga”. (PIA-Caraga)
Butuan dad to report state of the city today
by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, August 1 (PIA) – City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. here is scheduled to deliver the State of the City Address (SOCA) today in one of the local convention centers here.
The chief executive’s SOCA will primarily focus on reporting the accomplishments of his administration for the past 13 months, after he assumed his position on June 30, 2011.
This year’s SOCA of Mayor Amante is conducted in time with the 61st Charter Day Celebration of the city tomorrow, Tuesday, August 2.
According to reliable source, Mayor Amante will give emphasis on the poverty alleviation program of his administration that will also encourage potential business investors to put up investments here.
It can be recalled that during the press conference held recently, Mayor Amante vowed to support possible investors who are planning to establish call center in the city. This, according to Amante, will give the opportunity to the city in terms of jobs generation.
Meanwhile, on July 4, 2011, MalacaΓ±an Palace declared August 2 as a special non-working day here as per Proclamation No. 197, to give the people of Butuan City an opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies. (PIA-Caraga)
Bislig Bay is negative from red tide toxin, BFAR says
by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, August 1 (PIA) – Bislig Bay in Surigao del Sur is negative from red tide toxin. However, shellfish collected at Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboang del Sur, Murcielagos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental, and Masinloc Bay in Zambales tested positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit.
According to the latest shellfish bulletin issued by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the affected areas mentioned are not safe for human consumption.
BFAR also warned the public that fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly. Internal organs such as gills and intestines should be removed before cooking, BFAR said.
After testing positive for red tide toxin in previous months based on BFAR’s shellfish bulletin, Bislig Bay in Surigao del Sur as well as the coastal areas of Hinatuan and Lianga, all in Surigao del Sur are now negative of the said toxin. (PIA-Caraga)
Civil society orgs and LGU conducts peace caravan, confab
by Mark Louie B. Desoloc
BUTUAN CITY, August 1 (PIA) – Gawad Kalinga (GK), together with the Father Saturnino Urios University and the city government of Butuan conducted the Highway of Peace (HOPE) Caravan and Conference 2011 recently in Libertad, Butuan City.
The conference was aimed at strengthening the peace building initiatives in Mindanao through sharing of experiences.
GK representatives said that the organization is not only about building houses, but also aimed to build relationships that were long broken because of various conflicts in Mindanao.
Participants from various local government units, non-profit and non-government organizations, academe, religious and the youth sector in Mindanao converged here to embrace the event.
During the plenary session Ms. Jainab Abdulmajid, GK Area Coordinator in Sulu shared her experiences in the conflict areas in Sulu and how Gawad Kalinga restored peace in the conflicted areas.
Breakout session followed where participants shared their views, commitment and their dreams for a peaceful Mindanao. On the second day, the breakout session groups presented their views and strategies that will contribute to the peace building efforts in Mindanao.
The GK HOPE Caravan is held annually from different areas and provinces in Mindanao. This was the first HOPE caravan celebrated through conference. (PIA-Caraga)
BIR-Surigao del Sur Beats Target, TOS Collection in Caraga for first semester
by Greg Tataro, Jr.
TANDAG CITY, August 1, (PIA) – The Revenue District Office (RDO) 106 of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Surigao del Sur had overshot its collection target for the first half of 2011, thereby besting all district offices in Caraga Region in Revenue collection for said period.
According to Revenue District Officer (RDO) Amanoding Esmail, highest tax collection was posted in the past year.
Esmail explained his office had collected as much as P270,657,720.18 from January to June 2011, an increase of 32.15 percent as compared to the same period last year.
Esmail noted regional collection increased by 5.11 percent compared to the same period last year.
In other development, RDO Email confirmed the forthcoming 107th BIR Anniversary celebration on August 1.
However, he told Radyo ng Bayan here that the celebration will be conducted at the regional office in Butuan City on August 9.
Esmail said, a sportsfest and awarding of Plaques of Recognition and Certificates of Appreciation to Individual and Corporate Taxpayers will also highlight the occasion. (Radyo ng Bayan Tandag/PIA Surigao del Sur)
Caraga municipalities get seal of good housekeeping
by Mary Christine Anthonette M. Salise
BUTUAN CITY, August 1 – Some 40 municipalities in Caraga Region belonging to the 4th to 6th class passed the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) Program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for 2011.
According to DILG-Caraga Regional Director Atty. Rene Burdeos, these municipalities can avail the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) which has been provided under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2011 as a support fund to finance local development initiatives in furtherance of national government goals and strategic thrusts. These municipalities are entitled to one million (P1,000,000) PCF subsidy.
Eligible projects are those aligned to the following priorities: 1) attainment of millennium development goals; 2) local economic development; and 3) adaptation to climate change and preparedness for disaster.
Formal conferment on the Seal will be arranged by the DILG Regional Office.
SGH recognizes local government units that do not receive adverse or "disclaimer opinion" from the Commission on Audit (COA) on their financial statements for Calendar Year 2010.
This also shows that they also complied with the full disclosure policy of budget, bids and offerings. This includes posting these information in conspicuous places, disseminating in local media and website.
The eligible municipalities are as follows: 1) Carmen, Agusan del Norte; 2) Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte; 3) Magallanes, Agusan del Norte; 4) Remedios T. Romualdez, Agusan del Norte; 5) Santiago, Agusan del Norte; 6) Tubay, Agusan del Norte; 7) Basilisa, Province of Dinagat Islands; 8) Dinagat, Province of Dinagat Islands; 9) Libjo, Province of Dinagat Islands; 10) Loreto, Province of Dinagat Islands; 11) San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands; 12) Tubajon, Province of Dinagat Islands; 13) Alegria, Surigao del Norte; 14) Bacuag, Surigao del Norte; 15) Burgos, Surigao del Norte; 16. Dapa, Surigao del Norte; 17) Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte; 18) General Luna, Surigao del Norte; 19) Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte; 20) Mainit, Surigao del Norte; 21) Malimono, Surigao del Norte; 22) Pilar, Surigao del Norte; 23) Placer, Surigao del Norte; 24) San Benito, Surigao del Norte; 25) San Francisco, Surigao del Norte; 26) San Isidro, Surigao del Norte; 27) Sta. Monica, Surigao del Norte; 28) Sison, Surigao del Norte; 29) Socorro, Surigao del Norte; 30) Taganaan, Surigao del Norte; 31) Tubod, Surigao del Norte; 32) Bayabas, Surigao del Sur; 33) Cagwait, Surigao del Sur; 34) Carmen, Surigao del Sur; 35) Carrascal, Surigao del Sur; 36) Cortes, Surigao del Sur; 37) Lanuza, Surigao del Sur; 38) Lianga, Surigao del Sur; 39) Madrid, Surigao del Sur and; 40) San Agustin, Surigao del Sur. (DILG-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
NPA kills 3 civilians in Agusan del Sur attack
by Lt Charlene Gabatin
SURIGAO DEL SUR, August 1 – The PNP station in Trento, Agusan del Sur was attacked at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, July 30 by around 40 CPP/NPA/NDF (CNN), killing at least three civilians.
The police officers of the said station stood their ground and fought back against the rebels even as the fire fight lasted for almost an hour. The encounter resulted in the wounding of one (1) policeman and the untimely death of three (3) civilians where one of whom was a former CAFGU.
The insurgents were seen to have headed towards Pulang Lupa – New Visayas road of Trento Agusan del Sur.
“This failed attack is nothing but an act of desperation,” said Col. Romeo G. Gan, 401st brigade commander.
It can be recalled that a similar attempt also failed when the NPA attacked but failed to seize the Lianga PNP station in Surigao del Sur in May this year.
The communist rebels are very desperate for funds that they have to resort to attacking soft targets in order to sow fear and bolster their extortion activities, said Gan. Unfortunately for them, businessmen and some local executives are now resisting them resulting to reduced collection targets. “Pera, pera lang” that is their bottomline, he added.
“I call on them to rejoin society and be part of the country’s march to progress. That is their only chance to win,” he said. (PIA Surigao del Sur)
Feature: GAWA: Women at the forefront of struggle for a better life
by Lyziel I. Ampo
A tale of success is woven in the small community of Gacub in Barangay Hinapoyan, Carmen, Surigao del Sur, where a group of women belonging to the Manobo tribe has bravely weathered obstacles and persisted to improve their lives.
The Gacub Women’s Association, aptly called as GAWA (which in vernacular means “work” or “product”) is the product of brave women’s hard work and dedication, starting with a micro-lending project to respond to its members’ need for additional capitalization on farm inputs and other related needs.
Proving itself as a viable organization, Gawa received capital assistance for rice trading from the same project, as well as seed capital for the operation of a Rural Pharmacy and General Merchandise Store that cater to the needs of the community people who have long been deprived of reasonably priced medicines and basic commodities, primarily due to Gacub’s remoteness.
Consequently, Gacub people are benefiting from Gawa’s successful ventures. For instance, rice is now available at a more affordable price of P32-35, which is a huge relief from the usual P38-35 per kilo. Aside from offering quality goods at reasonable prices, Gawa has also instituted mechanisms that are responsive to the members’ and the community’s needs, winning the people’s loyalty and patronage to their bueisness ventures, a indicated by the significant growth of the business in terms of capitalization.
Jessica Quilano, a Gawa member said, “With an earning of P300 per week and before Gawa became operational, it was very difficult to secure rice and other household needs. Nobody would let you borrow money or allow credit from the grocery stores.” Jessica and her family have greatly benefitted from Gawa’s business ventures. As a member, she anticipates a good share in the organization’s first profit-sharing in July 2011.
One important factor has contributed to Gawa’s early success is the fact that the leaders have been equipped with the necessary skills and competences in organizational, financial an and business management, so that systems are in place, and records are kept and even available for members to access anytime.
Gawa as an organization still has long way to go. A concern now is to install sustainability mechanisms for the organization to be able to continue serving the community and multiply the benefits that are now being reaped. (PIA- Surigao del Sur)
Cebuano News: DPWH misiguro sa mga turista sa maayong kalsada sa surfing site sa Siargao
ni Michael Conte ug Dandy Lapura
DAPA, Siargao Island, August 1 (PIA) – Si Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Siargao District Engineer Salvador E. Montil, Jr. mihatag karon ug kasuguan sa pagkuha sa mga ilegal nga mga struktura subay sa General Luna (GL) – Catangnan road, padulong sa surfing site sa munisipyo sa General Luna (GL) para dili malangan ang kauswagan sa maayong kalsada didto.
Ang proyekto sa GL-Catangnan nga dalan mokantidad kini sa P9.8 milyon.
“Ang DPWH nagsaad karon sa mga turista sa maayo nga kalsada padulong sa mga nang-unang mga beaches, resorts ug surfing area diin ang international surfing competitions ipasiugda karon Septyembre,” ingon ni Montil.
“Inig kahuman sa bidding process sa proyekto, ang district office musugod dayon sa pag implementar ug sa pagkompleto sa proyekto sayo pa sa skedyul,” dugang ni Montil.
Gilakip pud ang widening ug gravelling sa proyekto sa kauswagan sa mga kalsada. (DPWH/PIA-SDN)
Surigaonon News: Education caravan, panambay sa barangay ug tigum sa mga kapitanes gihimo sa lungsod sa Malimono
ni Jun Parada
SURIGAO CITY, August 1 – Intiro adlaw an tagbuhos na oras ni Gobernador Sol Matugas ug Vice Governor Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr., niadtong miaging semana didto sa lungsod sa Malimono, diin ang team capitol migikan sa syudad alas 6:00 sa buntag ug namauli gikan sa Malimono alas 6:00 sa gabii.
Ang isa ka adlaw na pagbisita sa team ni Gobernador Matugas mao ang pagpadajon sa pagbisita sa mga eskwelahan aron isab ija mahimamat ang mga tinun-an ug mga ginikanan lakip na usab ang pagtunol sa mga health kits alang sa mga tinun-an sa kinder garten ug grade 1 na magamit sa ilang inadlaw-adlaw na kaugalingon duyog ang pag-atiman sa panglawas sa ginikanan diha sa ilang panimalay.
Si Gobernador Matugas ug Vice Governor Egay nagsugod pagbisita didto sa pinakalayong barangay nga mao ang Pili Elementary School ug sunod ang Can-aga Elem. School, Dumanig Primary School, Cantapoy Elem. School, Cansayong Elem. School, Bunyasan Elem. School, Hanagdong Elem. School, Masgad Elem. School, Malimono Central Elem. School u gang Cag-tinae Elem. School.
Samtang gipahigayon usab ang panambay sa barangay didto sa mga barangay sa Pili, Cantapoy ug Masgad sa pagpanguna ni Provincial Health Officer Dr. Leonora Andanar, diin ang mga katawhan nakapahimuyos sa libreng ibot sa ngipon, libreng medical check up, tuli, papsmear sa mga kababainhan ug ang paghatag sa libreng tambal.
Ug pagka alas singko sa hapon tagpahigayon usab ang tigum sa mga kapitanes uban ang si Gobernador Matugas ug Vice Governor Egay, lakip sa mga nahisgutan sa maong tigum mao ang mga priority projects sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka mga barangay sma sa paghatag og Day Care Center kantidad P400,000, paghatag puhonan para sa panginabuhian sa mga katawhan, pag-ayo sa mga kadayanan u gang pag-improbar sa Nokos Bolingit na magsilbing produkto sa Malimono para sa Surigao’s best.
Atol sa maong tigum gimanduan ni Gobernador Matugas si Malimono Mayor Teodoro Senaca, Jr. ug mga kapitanes nga tutukan ang pagtaas sa koleksyon sa buhis ilabina na sa real property tax ug kinahanglan zero drop out gyod ang matag tunghaan.
Samtang si Mayor Senaca mipadayag sa iyang dakong pasalamat ngadto kang Gobernador Matugas sa iyang paghatag og importansya sa mga katawhan sa lungsod sa Malimono ilabina kay sila nahisakop sa 5th class municipality ug ang pagpa-ayo sa mga kadalanan niini hinungdan nga ang mga kadalanan karon sa lungsod dili na libaongon. (Provincial Information Center/ PIA-Surigao del Norte)
