PIA News Service - Saturday, April 30, 2011

Butuan City by-pass road completed

by Connie R. Calo

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 30 --The Butuan City By-Pass Road project, from Jct. Bonbon-Kinamlutan to Bancasi airport is already completed, this was announced by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Caraga OIC-Regional Director Danilo E. Versola.

With a total road length of 5.236 kms of concrete road and 50.0 lm of Bancasi Bridge, the project fulfills the objectives under the billion-pesos Diosdado Macapagal Bridge project on the west side of the river banks to provide an alternate access into the City from Surigao-Agusan-Davao Road to Butuan-Cagayan de Oro-Iligan Road and to lessen the traffic load on the already old Magsaysay Bridge.

It cost the national government a total of Php 452,476,072.27 and last activity of construction was completed last April 15, 2011.

“The road now continues from the Diosdado Macapagal Bridge to Bancasi airport without passing through the city proper thereby evading a heavy volume of traffic.” Versola added.

RD Versola also said that with the initial appropriation under the CY 2011 Infrastructure Program, DPWH is now aiming to start the opening on the east side portion, from Brgy. Lemon to NRJ Antongalon.

With the completion of the project, a more vibrant economic activity is seen in this historical city of Butuan. (DPWH-13/PIA-Caraga)


Fitness program in schools may prevent obesity – FNRI

by Czarina Teresita S. Martinez

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 30 -- The recent national nutrition survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) found that there is an increasing number of school children and adolescents who are overweight.

Ms. Corazon M. Cerdeña, Chief Science Research Specialist (SRS) of the Nutritional Assessment and Monitoring Division of the FNRI-DOST, says that prevalence of overweight among adolescents almost doubled since 1993, while among 6-10 year-old children, the prevalence of overweight increased from a negligible rate in 1998 to 1.3 percent (%) in 2003 and further increased to 1.6% in 2008.

The study conducted by Dr. Celeste C. Tanchoco, Scientist III and Chief SRS of the Nutrition Research and Development Division of the FNRI-DOST on the assessment of physical activity of Filipino school children ages 9-12 years in selected public and private schools in Metro Manila, found that grade school students in both schools were physically less active.

The scenario led to the development of “Kineti-kids: a fitness program for school children”.

After two years of implementation, the integration of nutrition and health in the school curriculum, frequent exercises, and promotion of healthy weight gain led to increased nutrition knowledge, enhanced physical activity and physical fitness, and improved nutritional status.

The third message of the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) states: “Maintain children’s normal growth through proper diet and monitor their growth regularly”.

The growth of school children can be easily monitored by getting the weight and measuring the height using the World Health Organization (WHO) growth reference.

Monitoring the height and weight is a practical way of assessing growth rate, watching over health and nutritional status, detecting growth abnormalities, and evaluating the effects of nutrition intervention.

Failure to gain weight over a period of two to three months or rapid loss of weight among children are danger signs. On the other hand, excessive weight gain indicates tendency towards overweight or obesity.

The NGF enumerated numerous benefits of exercise like weight control and maintenance.

Exercise also helps improve blood circulation by making the heart and the lungs more efficient and by maintaining muscle tone.

In addition a regular exercise program gives long term benefits like reduced risk to heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and osteoarthritis.

A study conducted by Dr. Simone A. French of the University of Minnesota found that weight-bearing physical activity and calcium intake have positive effects on bone mass gains in children and adolescents.

The NGF recommends an adequate amount of calcium in the diet starting from childhood all the way to adulthood.

The bone is like a bank where calcium from calcium-rich food is deposited.

Regular exercise also favors calcium deposit as the body can withdraw calcium when it needs the mineral to sustain and maintain daily functions.

The calcium bank accepts calcium deposits until the age of 35. Beyond this time, calcium withdrawals can no longer be replenished.

Thus, exercise and eating calcium-rich food are all the more important to keep the bones and teeth strong and healthy.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Tel/Fax Num: 8372934 and 8373164; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST/ PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog News: Mga nagtatanim at naghahakot ng kahoy binalaan

by David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Abr. 30 (PIA) -- Si Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza nananawagan kamakailan sa lahat ng nagtatanim at naghahakot ng kahoy na bantayan ang tamang pag karga at paghahakot nito para maiwasan ang pagkasira ng daan na nag uugnay ng lungsod ng Butuan at mga probinsya ng Davao.

Sa pagpupulong na ginawa ng panlalawigang konseho para sa kapayapaan at kahusayan, sinabi ni Gob. Plaza na lahat ng mga sasakyan na naghahakot ng Falcata na kahoy ay sobra-sobra kung kumarga na syang dahilan ng pagkakasira ng daan na nag uugnay ng Butuan sa mga probinsiya ng Davao.

“Lahat tayo rito ay may pananagutan. Kaya, huwag tayong magtuturuan kung sino-sino ang responsible sa ganitong gawain dahil sa mga darating na araw, tayo rin ang magdurusa kung ang daang aking tinutukoy ay lalong masira,” sabi ni Gob. Plaza.

Tinawag din ni Gov. Plaza si Engr. Jaime Bernat ng Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at tinanong dito kung magkano ang “weigh bridge” dahil siya ay naniniwalang ang weigh bridge lamang ang siyang paraan kung ang isang sasakyang may mga karga ay tumatalima sa batas ng pagkakarga.

“Hihingi ako ng tulong sa ating mga kongresista dito sa ating lalawigan para tulungan tayong makabili ng weigh bridge para sa ating layuning maitama ang batas ng pagkakarga. Ito lang ang paraan para maipatupad ang batas at maparusahan ang mga nagkasala. Kung maari, dalawang weigh bridges ang ating ilalagay sa mga hangganan n gating probinsiya at mga karatig nito,” Sabi ni Gob. Plaza.

Napuna rin ni Gob. Plaza na sa bandang kanan kadalasan ang sirang bahagi at siyang nagbibigay ng pruweba na talagang ang sobrang pagkakarga ang syang dahilan ng pagkakasira ng daan dahil ang lahat ng may kargang kahoy na galing sa Agusan del Sur at Surigao del Sur ay sa bandang kanan dumadaan.

Ang lalawigan ng Agusan del Sur ay kilalang marami ang nagtatanim ng kahoy kaya ang lokal na pamahalaan ay nababahala sa sobrang pagkakarga ng mga sasakyang may karga na mabibigat at sobra sa itinatalagang kapasidad. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)

PIA News Service - Friday, April 29, 2011

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.

“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)

PIA News Service - Thursday, April 28, 2011

Farmers, fisherfolk month highlights BFAR's Fisherfolk Directorship Program

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, April 28 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Caraga initiates the celebration of Farmers and Fisherfolk Month in May 2011, highlighting the bureau’s seventh season of fisherfolk directorship program.

This is one of the significant undertakings of the bureau to recognize the tireless effort of the farmers and fisherfolk being the government’s partner in poverty alleviation and security program.

According to BFAR-Caraga Regional Director Nerio G. Casil, this year’s celebration will highlight the 7th season of Fisherfolk Directorship Program which aims to dramatize and popularize fisherfolk empowerment and participation in nation-building as per Department of Agriculture (DA) Special Order No. 88 series 2005.

To empower the fisherfolks to govern the regional office during the month-long celebration, a fisherfolk in Dinagat Islands will be installed as BFAR’s Fisherfolk Director. “This time, a fisherfolk representative from the province of Dinagat Islands will be installed as Fisherfolk Director to head the bureau for the whole month of May, in the person of Mr. Andres M. Zaluta,” Casil said.

Also, in line with this, a press conference is set on May 2 in one of the local convention centers here. This will enable the new fisherfolk director gets a warm welcome and be able to share his goals and vision in the tenure of his directorship. (PIA-Caraga)


Holcim Phils., TESDA launch “Search for Most Outstanding Mason for 2011”

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, April 28 (PIA) -- The Holcim Philippines, Inc. and Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) launched Tuesday the ‘Search for Most Outstanding Mason for 2011’ at Dottie’s Place Hotel and Restaurant, this city.

TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Edwin Gatinao said the Holcim “Galing Mason Award” recognizes and promotes Filipino workers, specifically hardworking masons who have shown pride and great improvement in their work while being responsible members of the family and the community.

The competition is open to Filipino male and female blue-collared workers in particular, masons for at least the last three years and whose productivity index has been rated high. Only one awardee, either male or female, shall be chosen.

Gatinao also revealed that the selection process will be conducted at the provincial, regional, and national levels. Winners at the regional level will compete for the national award.

To qualify for the award, a nominee must be a Filipino citizen, male or female, economically active and has been working in line with his/her trade from at least the last three years, and a holder of a valid TESDA National Certificate on Masonry.

Also, applicants must have no derogatory records or administrative infractions, nominated by any legitimate civic, social, religious, labor or industry organization; preferably working in the region that he/she represents, of good moral character, and must be certified by his employer, local government unit, and a recognized organization other than the nominating party. They must be between 25-45 years old, and physically fit.

Each regional awardee will receive a cash prize and a medal. He will also have the opportunity to represent his region in the national competition.

The national competition will be held in Manila, with free lodging, food, and transportation expenses. Sole national awardee will receive a cash prize of P150,000.00. (PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog News: Hepe ng PNP-Caraga pinasinayaan ang kapulisan

ni Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Abr. 28 (PIA) -- Pinasinayaan ni PCSupt. Reynaldo Rafal, Regional Director ng Philippine National Police (PNP)-Caraga ang kapulisang inilagay ang buhay sa peligro habang ginagawa ang negosasyon sa mga suspetsado ng hostage-taking noong Abril 1-6, 2011 sa La Purisima, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

Sa ginanap na awarding ceremony noong Lunes (Abril 25) dito sa Camp Rafael Rodriguez ng Brgy. Libertad, pinasinayaan ng hepe ng kapulisan sa rehiyon ang 26 na mga personahe matapos matanggap ng mga ito ang kani-kanilang medalya at citations galling mismo kay Gen. Rafal.

Sa kaniyang mensahe, sinabi ni Rafal na ang ipinamalas na galing ng mga kapulisan sa panahon ng negosasyon ay nagpabago sa imahe ng PNP dahil sa nangyaring pag-kwestiyon ng credibilidad ng nasabing ahensiya dahil sa nagyaring hostage-taking sa Metro Manila noong nakaraang taon kung saan siyam na mga Chinese nationals ang naiulat na namatay.

Dagdag pa ni Rafal na ang makabuluhang kontribusyon ng 26 na pulis sa rehiyon ay magsisilbeng modelo ng ibang kapulisan na tumanggap ng responsibilidad bilang mga alagad ng batas at idepensa ang interes ng bayan sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng seguridad at kaligtasan ng publiko sa lahat ng oras.

Sinabi ng nasabing opisyal na ang ginawa ng mga nasabing law enforcers ay ipinakita lamang ang kanilang sinsero sa trabaho at nararapat lamang na sundin ng ibang miyembro ng kapulisan sa Police Regional Office (PRO-13) at maging sa buong organisasyon ng PNP.

Samantala, pinarangalan din ni PNP Chief Raul Bacalzo ng Medalya Ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod Award si Rafal at si Caraga PNP Chief of Staff Senior Supt. Nestor Fajura sa flag ceremony na ginanap sa Camp Crame noong Abril 11, kasama sina Deputy Regional Director for Operations Police Chief Supt. Isagani Francisco Ganabe, Jr. at Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Director Jerome Baxinella dahil sa kanilang mahalagang kontribusyon sa paglutas sa hostage-crisis.

Binigyan din ng parangal sina Agusan del Sur Governor Adolph Edward Plaza, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur Mayor Albin Magdamit, Agusan del Sur Provincial Social Welfare Officer Josefina Bajade ug Fr. Carlito Clase sa Caraga Conference for Peace and Development (CCPD) sa kanilang walang humpay na suporta sa mapayapang pagtapos ng nasabing insidente.

Kung matatandaan, noong April 1, 2011, 16 ka tao ang hinostage ng grupo ni Kenken Perez bandang alas 6:00 ng hapon habang pauwi ang mga ito galing sa graduation rites.

Ilang araw matapos ang pangho-hostage, dalawang biktima ang pinakawalan upng ipaabot sa mga kinauukalan ang demanda ng mga suspetsado, kasali na rito ang paghingi ng pagkain at mga medisina para sa mga biktima.

Napag-alamang ibinigay ng crisis management committee ang hiningi ng mga hostage-takers ngunit kinausap ang mga suspetsado nga hindi na lamang pababalikin ang mga nasabing bihag doon sa kanilang pinaglalagyan. Ang mga suspetsado ay sumang-ayon naman. Kinabukasan, sa hindi malamang dahilan, isang bihag na naman ang pinakawalan ng mga suspetsado.

Matapos ang limang araw, inabandona ng mga suspetsado ang naiwang 13 na mga bihag sa kagubatan ng Purok 8, Barangay La Purisima kung saan ang mga biktima ay sinalubong ni Agusan del Sur Governor Adolph Edward Plaza. (PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog News: Mga Pulis ng Caraga, pinarangalan dahil sa mapayapang paglutas ng Agusan Sur hostage-crisis

ni Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Abr. 28 (PIA) -- Dahil sa mapayapang pagkakalutas sa pagbihag ng 13 kataong sa La Purisima, Agusan del Sur noong Abril 6, pinarangalan noong Lunes (Abril 25) ang may 26 na mga pulis sa ginanap na seremonya sa Camp Rafael Rodriguez, Brgy. Libertad dito.

Ang Medalya ng Kadakilaan (Medal of Valor) ay ibinigay ni PCSupt. Reynaldo Rafal, PNP-Caraga Regional Director kay PSSupt. Crisaldo Nieves dahil sa kaniyang kontribusyon na mabigyan ng administrative support ang critical management task group na naging dahilan ng matagumpay na negosasyon na naging daan sa paglutas sa hostage-taking crisis at pinakawalan ng mga hostage-takers ang kanilang mga bihag.

Pinarangalan din ng Medalya ng Kagalingan (Medal of Excellence) ni Supt. Rafal sina PSSupt. Jane Aunzo; P/Supt. Ritchie Posadas; PSupt. Antony Maghari; PSSupt. Julian Boquida; PCInsp. Florence Andit; PCInsp. Romeo Villalobo, Jr.; P/CInsp. Warren Dablo; PSInsp. Rodel Maritana; PSInsp. Jomar Dela Cerna; PInsp. Jameson Aguilar; PInsp. Julius Mojica, PInsp. Joel Cervantes; PInsp. Abdul Nasser Dimaporo; at si PInsp. Roberto Fabregas.

Kung matatandaan, noong a uno ng Abril bandang alas sais ng hapon, hinostage ng grupo ni Kenken Perez ang 16 ka taong kinabibilangan ng mga guro ng Department of Education (DepEd) Agusan del Sur Division, mga mag-aaral, at sibilyang karamihan ay nagmamaneho ng traysikel sa bulubunduking bahagi ng Purok 7, Barangay La Purisima, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

Noong Abril 6, inabandona ng mga suspek ang 13 natitirang hostage sa kagubatang bahagi ng Purok 8, Barangay La Purisima at sila’y sinundo ng local management crisis committee na pinanguluhan nina Prosperidad Mayor Albin Magdamit at Agusan del Sur Governor Adolph Edward Plaza. (PIA-Caraga)


Surigaonon News: Pipila ka mga kalambuan sa Gen. Services Office sa Surigao gibatbat

SURIGAO CITY, Abr. 28 (PIA) -- Pipila ka mga mga kalamboan gepamahayag sa buhatan sa City General Services sa siyudad sa pagpanguyo ni Mr. Armando Elumba ang kasamtangang hepe sa maong buhatan. Sa gehimu nga weekly reports niadtong Lunes, gepamahayag niini ang ilang nahimu suyod sa usa ka semana lamang gikan na Abril 17-23, 2011.

Pipila niini mao ang pagpadajaw sa kapin 12 ka mga guba ug wala maniga nga mga “street lights.” Nakaresponde isab sila ug duha ka hangjo ug reklamo bahin sa problema sa eliktrisidad.

Nahinluan ang 0.2086 sq. km. nga mga dayan sa siyudad ug national roads nga suyod sa city proper hangtod na sa city airport. Ila isab namentinar ang kahinlo sa mga parke ug plaza kada adlaw.

Samtang target isab nan ila buhatan nga kuman semanaha Abril 25 - 29, 2011 an ila pag-andam alang sa pag-dispose ug mga equipments nga wala na panggamita apil isab ang mga service vehicles nga ila isubasta sa publiko. Busa ila gihangjo ang tagsa-tagsa ka mga departamento o mga opisina nga maghatag sa ila og inventory ug inspection report sa maong equipment ug service vehicles nga anaa sa ilang opisina nga wala na pang-gamita aron ma-drop kini gikan sa ilang poder. (Annette Villaces, PIO-Surigao City/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Wednesday, April 27, 2011

DOE set to distribute Pantawid Pasada card starting May 2

by Robert E. Roperos

QUEZON CITY, Apr. 27 (PIA) -- Department of Energy is set to distribute the Pantawid Pasada Card to jeepney drivers who have legitimate franchises on May 2 in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The pronouncement was made Tuesday by Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jose Rene Almendras during the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Management Conference and Launching of the Pantawid Pasada Communication Program held at Rembrandt Hotel here.

According to Sec. Almendras, the distribution of the Pantawid Pasada Cards in NCR is expected to take five days. This will be managed by five different groups, with each group having four members from the DOE, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

For NCR, an LTFRB official will confirm if the claimant is included in the list of legitimate franchisee of jeepneys.

To qualify, the energy secretary said jeepney drivers must present the original franchise certificate, as well as the Official Receipt/Certificate of Registration (OR/CR) of Motor Vehicle, and two of any of the valid IDs such as: driver’s license, passport, GSIS/SSS, PhilHealth, Voter’s ID, firearms license, and seman’s book.

Sec. Almendras also said the program will be implemented in the regional and provincial level soon.

“Pantawid Pasada Program” is a poverty reduction and social development strategy of the national government that aims to provide financial assistance to the public transport sector through cash grants to reduce the impact of increasing fuel prices on the riding and consuming public.

Specifically, the program aims to provide assistance to the transport sector, such as jeepneys and tricycles by distributing 60,000 fuel cards to jeepney operators and drivers to ease their daily fuel expenses.

Almendras said the program also `aims to cushion the impacts of oil price hikes as the growing unrest in the Middle East and North Africa continues to create uncertainty in the international and local markets, defuse the emergence of fare hikes and, instill awareness on their responsibility to be part of the solution by practicing energy efficiency and conservation (EE&C) measures. (PIA-Caraga)


PENRO monitoring closely mining activities in Surigao Sur

by Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, April 27 (PIA) -- The Provincial Environment Office (PENRO) under the Local Govenment Unit (LGU) of Surigao del Sur is closely monitoring all mining activities in the province, following the incident in Compostella Valley where at least eight miners have died due to landslide.

Mr. Gabriel Perez, Acting PENRO-LGU Chief particularly pointed out the massive destructions in Barangay Tambis, Barobo town, 105 kms south from here as a result of illegal small scale gold mining.

According to Perez, a cease and desist order has already been served to all concerned individuals who are allegedly involved in the illegal mining which is the main livelihood of some residents in the area.

However, before taking any action, PENRO-LGU said they had yet to conduct environmental inspection and verification. (Radyo ng Bayan Tandag/PIA Surigao del Sur)


For the peaceful resolution of Agusan Sur hostage-taking
PNP-Caraga chief lauded cops

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 27 (PIA) -- PCSupt. Reynaldo Rafal, Philippine National Police (PNP)-Caraga Regional Director lauded the efforts of the police officers who have put their lives to risk during the negotiation of the hostage-taking in La Purisima, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur from April 1 to 6, 2011.

During the awarding ceremony held Monday (April 25) at Camp Rafael Rodriguez in Brgy. Libertad here, the region’s PNP chief congratulated the 26 personnel who received medals and citations from PNP chief for a job well done during the hostage-taking.

Rafal added the invaluable contributions of the 26 police officers of the region will serve as a model to other cops who have accepted their responsibilities to defend the interest of the nation by upholding security and safety of the public at all times.

Further, Rafal stressed that the actions of these police officers are manifestations that they are indeed sincere to their duties as law enforcers, worthy to be emulated by other members of Police Regional Office (PRO-13) and the whole PNP organization, as a whole.

Meanwhile, PNP Chief Raul Bacalzo personally awarded Medalya Ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod Award to Caraga PNP Regional Director Chief Supt. Reynaldo S. Rafal and Caraga PNP Chief of Staff Senior Supt. Nestor Monton Fajura during the flag ceremony at Camp Crame on April 11.

Two other police officials: Deputy Regional Director for Operations Police Chief Supt. Isagani Francisco Ganabe, Jr. and Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Director Jerome Baxinella also received awards for their contribution in crisis’ peaceful resolution.

Agusan del Sur Governor Adolph Edward Plaza who worked behind the scene, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur Mayor Albin Magdamit who chaired the Crisis Management Committee, Agusan del Sur Provincial Social Welfare Officer Josefina Bajade and Fr. Carlito Clase of the Caraga Conference for Peace and Development (CCPD) also received citation awards for giving all out efforts and support in the peaceful ending of the hostage-taking crisis.

On April 1, 2011, at least 16 individuals were held by hostage-takers led by a certain Kenken Perez at around 6:00 p.m. on their way home after a graduation exercise. Days after, two of the hostages were released who were asked to inform the local management crisis committee of the perpetrators’ demands, including food and medicines.

The committee granted the request but asked the hostage-takers that the two will not go back anymore to the area where they are staying along with the other 14 hostages. A day after, another hostage who is a minor was released.

Five days after (April 6), suspects Kemken Perez, 17, Rejoy Brital, 17, both minors and Joel Endengan abandoned the 13 remaining hostages in the forested area of Purok 8, Barangay La Purisima where said hostages were fetched by Agusan del Sur Governor Adolph Edward Plaza. (PIA-Caraga)


Butuan City gov’t to raise funds thru ‘Kaliwatan Fund Walk’

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- In time with the month-long celebration of the “Balangay Festival,” the city government here headed by Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. will be spearheading a fund raising dubbed as ‘Kaliwatan Fund Walk’ on May 17, 2011, 5:30 am from Rizal Park to the city hall grounds.

In a press conference, Balangay Festival 2011 Executive Committee chairperson Atty. Rema Erigbuagas-Burdeos revealed that through the ‘Kaliwatan Fund Walk’, the public will be able to recognize the families and clans who have migrated and opted to choose Butuan their residence and as partners in developing the city.

“Funds raised during this activity will be intended for the City’s One Barangay, One Product Program,” Burdeos said.

Participants for the ‘fund walk’ can pre-register at P100.00 per member under the Kaliwat’s (clan’s name) until May 17 at the Community Affairs Office, Malvar Building, corner J. Rosales and J. Satorre streets, this city.

Each clan is also encouraged to have their own uniform, attire or accessory identifying their respective group. They can also have their own identifying streamer or banner and is requested to prepare yell or cheer.

Also, Burdeos stressed that plaques and trophies will be awarded to the Kaliwat (clan): first three to register, top three biggest number of members registered, top three best in uniform, the clan with the youngest registered participant during the fund walk, clan with the oldest registered participant, and clan with the biggest number of delegates. (PIA-Caraga)


Mutya Hong Butuan candidates presented to media

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, April 27 (PIA) -- The city government here thru the City Tourism Council officially presented this year’s official candidates of the Search for Mutya Hong Butuan as one of the highlights of the month-long celebration of the Balangay Festival this May.

In a press conference held recently, committee chairperson Marie Therese T. Fontanilla-Fortun said this year’s winner will receive P50,000.00 and will automatically become the ambassador of goodwill, and will be involved in charity works.

Mutya Hong Butuan 2011 candidates - No. 1 Vanessa Kaye Omandam; No. 2 Suyene Marie Balbuena; No. 3 Hydee Cloreb Cloma; No. 4 Dorothy Sales; No. 5 Lovely Rose Cebrian; No. 6 Christine May Creencia; No. 7 Sheena Marie Potol; No. 8 Andrea Bautista; No. 9 Honey Tess Martinez; and No. 10 Christy Ann Gato.

Special awards will also be given to the candidates by different sponsors/endorsers.

Also, Fortun bared that the 10 candidates recently undergone speech development and table manner etiquette after a series of different workshops. Today, April 27, the candidates will be having their city tour in Butuan, and a radio tour on April 28, 2011.

Mutya Hong Butuan Committee is composed of the following: Chairperson Marie Therese T. Fontanilla-Fortun; Vice-chairperson Dr. Anna Marie Montilla-Espiritu; Secretariat headed by Mr. Jun Banaay Jr.; Screening sub-committee chaired by Dr. Winona T. Bernas-Amante; Wardrobe sub-committee chaired by Dr. Marilou Monet-Solidum; Hair and Make-up Artist chaired by Ms. Myla Concon; Protocol and Contract chaired by Atty. Louella A. Mendoza-Yu; Production sub-committee chaired by Mr. Jessie Laxa; Training and Workshop chaired by Ms. Helen S. Langanlangan; Prizes and awards chaired by Atty. Lailanie Corvera-Empesto; Travel and Tour chaired by Ms. Jenny Navarra-Divinagracia, together with hired photographers and videographers.

The coronation pageant is set on May 19, 7:00 p.m. at Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) gymnasium. (PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano News: DOLE mohimo ug pag-rebisar sa Labor Code

ni Susil Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, April 27 (PIA) -- Ang Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) nagbutyag nga lakip sa ilang Philippine Labor and Employment Plan proposal ang pag-amendar sa 36-year-old Labor Code.

Atol sa gipahigayong news conference niadtong miaging adlaw, Abril 25, 2011, si Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz nag-ingon nga angayan na gayod erebisar ang Labor Code aron kini makatubag sa panginahanglanon sa kasamtangang urog sa labor market.

“1970s pa kasi yung Labor Code. The labor market realities now brought by globalization, hindi nayan sakop ng labor code noon (this is not covered by labor code before),” sulti ni Baldoz.

Usa sa mga gi-konsederar nga eribisar mao ang Article 130 nga nag-asoy sa pagdili sa mga babaye mga motrabaho sa gabii.

Kini nagpakita ug dakong sukwahi sa karon nga kahimtang diin ang mga babaye nga nagtabaho sa mga call centers gikinahanglang motrabaho sa night shift.

"Wala pang (there was no) BPO/ICT at that time. Ngayon may naririnig na tayong (now we hear of) job security, flexibility security, at kailangan nating pag-aralan ang mga 'yan ng mabuti (we need to study all that thoroughly)," sulti ni Baldoz.

Lain pang artikulo ang natumbok aron i-rebisa mao ang bahin sa pagbaton (tenure), kontrata (contracting) ug subcontracting of services.

Ubos sa labor subcontracting nga sistema, ang usa ka kumpanya mo-abang ug laing kumpanya aron mo recruit ug mga trabahador nga dili permanente ug dili mosuweldo sa minimum wage o dili maka benepisyo sama sa social-security coverage, health insurance, ug pagsulod sa low-cost housing services.

"We're finalizing a project proposal to ensure that we can present to the tripartite council the omnibus review of the labor code. We hope in six months time we can finish the omnibus review," dugang pa ni Baldoz.

Ang mga Labor groups dugay ng nagduso sa pag-amendar niining karaan ng Labor Code.

Ang Philippine Labor and Employment Plan 2011-2016 gimugna isip tubag sa mando ni Presidente Benigno C. Aquino III nga matag usa ka ahensya sa gobyerno mohimo ug sectoral plan nga mosuporta sa Philippine Development Plan sa mosunod nga lima katuig.

Ang maong plan ipresentar ngadto sa labor stakeholders sa 1st National Summit on Labor and Employment karong Abril 27, 2011. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Cebuano News: Mga pulis sa Caraga, gipasidunggan tungod sa malinawo’ng pagsulbad sa Agusan Sur hostage-crisis

ni Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Abr. 27 (PIA) -- Tungod sa malinawon ug hapsay nga pagbuhi sa 13 ka mga hostages sa La Purisima, Agusan del Sur niadtong Abril 6 kung diin pipila ka mga kapulisan sa rehiyon ang usa sa mga tinubdan nga nagmalampuson ang pakig-negotiate sa mga suspetsado, ang rehiyon nga buhatan sa Philippine National Police (PNP) mihatag og pasidungog niadtong Lunes nga gipahigayon sa Camp Rafael Rodriguez, Brgy. Libertad, ni’ng dakbayan.

Ang Medalya ng Kadakilaan (Medal of Valor) gisul-ot ngadto kang PSSupt. Crisaldo Nieves tungod sa iyang mabayanihong kontribusyon sa paghatag og administrative nga suporta sa critical management task group nga nahimo’ng paagi sa malampuson nga negosasyon ug pag-resolba sa hostage-crisis, butang aron buhi-an sa mga suspetsado ang mga biktima.

Ang talaan sa mga kapulisan nga nakadawat og Medalya ng Kagalingan (Medal of Excellence) gikan kang PCSupt. Reynaldo Rafal, ang kasamtanga’ng Regional Director sa PNP-Caraga mao ang mosunod: PSSupt. Jane Aunzo; P/Supt. Ritchie Posadas; PSupt. Antony Maghari; PSSupt. Julian Boquida; PCInsp. Florence Andit; PCInsp. Romeo Villalobo, Jr.; P/CInsp. Warren Dablo; PSInsp. Rodel Maritana; PSInsp. Jomar Dela Cerna; PInsp. Jameson Aguilar; PInsp. Julius Mojica, PInsp. Joel Cervantes; PInsp. Abdul Nasser Dimaporo ug; PInsp. Roberto Fabregas.

Kung mahinumduman nga niadtong Abril 1, 2011 sa may alas 6 ang takna sa sayong kagabhi-on, gi-hostage sa grupo ni Kenken Perez ang 16 ka mga indibidwal nga naglangkop sa mga magtutudlo sa Department of Education (DepEd) Agusan del Sur Division, kaestudyantehan, sibilyan kung diin kasagari niini mga drayber sa tricycle sa bukid nga lugar sa Purok 7, Barangay La Purisima, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

Niadtong Abril 6, ang mga suspetsado gi-abandona ang 13 ka mga nabiling hostage sa kalasanga’ng bahin sa Purok 8, Barangay La Purisima kung diin sila gikuha sa local management crisis committee sa pagpangulo ni Prosperidad Mayor Albin Magdamit ug Agusan del Sur Governor Adolph Edward Plaza. (PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Tuesday, April 26, 2011

DOE says Pantawid Pasada program to mitigate impact of oil price hikes

by Robert E. Roperos

QUEZON CITY, Apr. 26 (PIA) -- “Philippines is dependent on imported fuel, thus, whenever there is fuel crisis in the world market, this will lead to oil price hike and adds burden to the country, in general.”

This is the statement of Sec. Jose Rene Almendras of the Department of Energy (DOE) during the launching of Pantawid Pasada Communication Program attended by top officials, regional directors, and information center managers of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on Tuesday at Rembrandt Hotel here.

Because of this dilemma, Almendras said the national government through DOE has come-up with a short-term program in mitigating the impact of fuel price hike through the “Pantawid Pasada Program” or the 3Ps.

As promulgated by Executive Order No. 32, series of 2011, the “Pantawid Pasada Program” is a poverty reduction and social development strategy of the national government that aims to provide financial assistance to the public transport sector through cash grants to reduce the impact of increasing fuel prices on the riding and consuming public.

According to Sec. Almendras, PPP specifically aims to provide assistance to the transport sector, such as jeepneys and tricycles by distributing 60,000 fuel cards to jeepney operators and drivers to ease their daily fuel expenses.

Almendras also said the program aims to cushion the impacts of oil price hikes as the growing unrest in the Middle East and North Africa continues to create uncertainty in the international and local markets, defuse the emergence of fare hikes and, instill awareness on their responsibility to be part of the solution by practicing energy efficiency and conservation (EE&C) measures.

“The P1,050 for jeepneys and P150 for tricycles which will be loaded in the Pantawid Pasada Card, may be used to purchase diesel from participating gasoline stations,” he said. (RER-PIA 13)


Cops receive awards for the peaceful resolution of Agusan Sur hostage-crisis

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 26 (PIA) -- Following the safe release of the 13 hostages in La Purisima, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur on April 6 where members of the police force played a vital role in the successful negotiations between police and hostage takers, Philippine National Police (PNP)-Caraga on Monday commended their personnel in an awarding ceremony held at Camp Rafael Rodriguez, Libertad, this city.

The Medalya ng Kadakilaan (Medal of Valor) was awarded to PSSupt. Crisaldo Nieves for providing administrative support to the critical management task group that led to the successful negotiation and resolution of the hostage crisis resulting to the safe release of the hostages.

Nieves was also awarded because of his remarkable and excellent performance that manifested his dedication to comply with his duty, earning for him merit in the PNP organization.

Others who received the Medalya ng Kagalingan (Medal of Excellence) awards were: PSSupt. Jane Aunzo; P/Supt. Ritchie Posadas; PSupt. Antony Maghari; PSSupt. Julian Boquida; PCInsp. Florence Andit; PCInsp. Romeo Villalobo, Jr.; P/CInsp. Warren Dablo; PSInsp. Rodel Maritana; PSInsp. Jomar Dela Cerna; PInsp. Jameson Aguilar; PInsp. Julius Mojica, PInsp. Joel Cervantes; PInsp. Abdul Nasser Dimaporo and; PInsp. Roberto Fabregas.

It can be recalled that on April 1 at about 6:00 p.m., hostage-takers led by a certain Kenken Perez snatched teachers, staff, students, and civilians mostly motorcycle passengers in the mountainous portion of Purok 7, Barangay La Purisima, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

On April 6, the perpetrators abandoned the 13 remaining hostages in the forested area of Purok 8, Barangay La Purisima. They were fetched by Agusan del Sur Governor Adolph Edward Plaza. (RER-PIA Caraga)


DepEd commits new classroom buildings for Surigao City

by Fryan E. Abkilan

SURIGAO CITY, Apr. 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) has committed to finance new classroom buildings intended for the elementary and secondary schools in the Surigao City DepEd Division to address the shortage of schoolrooms in the city.

City Mayor Ernesto Matugas said that during his recent meeting with the DepEd officials, they have pledged to allocate some P11 million for the construction of 17 schoolrooms to the different priority barangays.

He also said these classrooms are equipped with rain collector to ensure sufficient water for the toilet.

In a related development, Matugas revealed that the DepEd officials have also announced the release of P8.9 million for the construction of the new city division office which will be located at the C.V. Diez Central Elementary School.

“All these assistance would not be possible without the initiative and help of our governor, Gov. Sol Matugas,” he said. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Agusan del Sur conducts workshop on anti corruption

by David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Apr. 26 (PIA) -- A two-day workshop that targets to curb corruption in the public system was conducted here in order to restore people’s confidence in government.

Designed to rid provincial government employees of the dreaded virus called corruption, the workshop was participated by the chiefs of offices or their representatives who are directly holding positions prone to the vicissitudes of corruption.

According to Dr. Ronnie Amorado of the Provincial Road Management Facilities (PRMP), the workshop primarily aimed at the development and protection of human character in order to ward off the temptations of corruption.

“This reform is not only for a person, or a small group of people, but for all of us. Dapat, sabay-sabay tayong lahat para maipatupad kung anuman ang ating magandang pananaw para sa ating mga proyekto at sa kinabukasan, dahil lahat tayo ay may pananagutan para sa ating communidad at pamahalaan,” Dr. Amorado said.

(We should be together in order to implement whatever good vision we have for our projects and the future because all of us are responsible for our community and the government.)

The office where Dr. Morado works is one of the government projects funded by the Australian government; it is responsible for the rehabilitation and maintenance of provincial roads in Agusan del Sur with a budget cost of Aus$5 million within five years.

According to Dr. Morado, one of the components of the PRMF is human resource development and that is the one of the reasons why the workshop was conducted.

“It is important that implementers of the PRMF projects must undergo this workshop in order to ensure that the projects will be implemented religiously, and without trace of corruption,” Dr. Morado said. (DMS-PIA Agusan del Sur)

Search is on for TESDA’s 2011 Most Outstanding Mason

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- The search is on for this year’s Most Outstanding Mason.

Holcim Philippines, Inc. and the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) recently announced the third cycle of “Galing Mason Awards” nationwide search.

According to TESDA-Caraga regional director Edwin Gatinao, Holcim Philippines, Inc. and TESDA have developed a program for masons to enhance and professionalize their craft.

Dir. Gatinao further said that one of the highlights of the program is the nationwide training for the masons, which includes instructions on environment and work safety, proper work ethics, and the application of cement.

Also, another part of the program is the "Galing Mason Olympics," a competition for masons who have undergone the training program, to further encourage initiatives towards skills enhancement.

Gatinao said the program is set to launch today, April 26, in one of the local convention centers here, which will be attended by various organizations, companies, agencies and government units. (JPG-PIA Caraga)


Butuan gears up for Balangay Festival in May

by Jocelyn E. Morano

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 26 (PIA) -- A variety of activities were presented by the City Tourism Council in a press conference held Monday; for the first time, there are three highlights to watch out in this year’s Balangay Festival in the whole month of May.

Anchoring on the theme, “Sail On Butuan: Balangayan,” the opening program will be held on Sunday, May 1 with the traditional early dawn Diana announcing the beginning of the festivities to be followed by a daily 6:00 a.m. exercise called “Batyag Butuan” at the Rizal park.

Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. will lead the opening ceremonies at the Rizal Park and the formal opening of Trade and Carnival Fair.

This year, Balangay Festival will be introducing as its first highlight the works of art of local artists which will be formally launched on May 2 with their Panagtagbo Art Festival at the lobby of Butuan National Museum.

According to City Tourism Council chairperson Atty. Rema Burdeos, the Panagtagbo is a one-of-a-kind art exhibit that fuses Likha-Karaga's artistry and theater artists through the Balangayan Credit Cooperative of Artists (BANCCA) showcasing more than 10 local artists.

On its launching, the BANCCA will perform Butuanon songs and dances depicting the old kingdom and the present situation; on Fridays and Saturdays there will be different art workshops, simultaneous symposium, and focus group discussions on weekdays.

It will be Butuan’s first time to hold a bidding of paintings and the audience can have personal encounter with the artists performing an on-the-spot sketch.

The traditional and second highlight is the Mutya hong Butuan Pageant night on May 17 at FSUU gym with 10 beautiful and intelligent ladies who will vie for the crown.

The unique and this year’s first to be seen presentation during the Balangay Festival is the 2,000 people who will do a synchronized Manobo performance to be held at the City Sports Complex on the day of the fiesta, May 19, with the participation of Butuan City local officials.

On this day, visitors and the people of Butuan will also witness a Balangay Theater Float Parade Competition traversing Montilla Boulevard going to Libertad Sports Complex stopping at the DBP area for a short Manobo dance presentation.

Other activities in May is the PNP Fancy Drill on May 17 at the city hall grounds after the Kaliwatan Fund Run to be participated by 86 barangays in aiming to raise funds for the One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) project.

Several entertainment showcases will be held like Sayawan sa Butuan on May 1, Kab-ot sa Bitoon singing contest, Concert at the Park during Saturdays, Down to Mars Concert on May 18, Uncle Sam’s Singing Stars on May 20, and some sports activities. (Radyo ng Bayan Butuan/PIA-Caraga)


Victory caravan set today in Dinagat Islands

SURIGAO CITY, Apr. 26 (PIA) -- A victory caravan is scheduled in Dinagat Islands today, April 26 in view of the recent Supreme Court decision affirming the constitutionality of the province.

Dinagat Islands public information officer Rosario Roxas said provincial officials and employees along with the province’s sectoral groups will mark a victory caravan commencing at the capital town of San Jose to the historic Campintac Beach in Loreto.

From there, Roxas said the caravan will proceed back to the municipalities of Tubajon, Libjo, Basilisa, Cagdianao, Dinagat and will end at San Jose’s Cultural Center.

A thanksgiving program will also be conducted in every municipality, it was learned.

Roxas further said that around 100 motorcycles and 22 four-wheeled vehicles will compose the said event. (Province of Dinagat Islands/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Cebuano News: Hepe sa PNP-Caraga gidayeg ang kapulisan

ni Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Abr. 26 (PIA) -- Gidayeg ni PCSupt. Reynaldo Rafal, kasamtanga’ng regional director sa Philippine National Police (PNP)-Caraga ang mga kapulisang gibutang anga ilang kinabuhi sa risgo sa dihang gihimo ang negosasyon tali sa mga suspetsado sa hostage-taking na natigayon niadtong Abril 1-6 sa La Purisima, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

Atol sa gipahigayong awarding ceremony niadtong Lunes (Abril 25) sa Camp Rafael Rodriguez sa Brgy. Libertad ni’ng dakbayan, ang hepe sa rehiyon nga buhatan sa PNP mitunol sa iyang pahalipay sa 26 ka mga personahe human gipangdwat niini ang mga medalya ug citations gikan mismo ni Gen Rafal.

Sa iyang pakigpulong, si Rafal nagkanayon nga ang gipakitang kakugi sa mga kapulisan niadtong panahona maoy nakapabag-o sa imahe sa PNP tungod kay nahitabong gi-kwestyon ang kredibilidad sa maong ahensiya tungod sa nahitabong hostage-taking sa Metro Manila niadtong nakalabay’ng tuig kund diin siyam ka mga Chinese nationals ang nangamatay.

Gidugang ni Rafal nga ang bulawanong kontribusyon sa 26 ka pulis sa rehiyon mao’y magsilbeng modelo sa ubang kapulisan nga nidawat sa ilang responsibilidad sa pagdepensa sa interes sa nasud pinaagi sa pagpatunhay sa seguridad ug kaluwasan sa publiko sa tanang panahon.

Gisulti sa maong opisyal nga ang gibuhat sa maong mga law enforcers nagpakita lamang sa ilang ka-sinsero sa ilang trabaho, butang nga angaya’ng sundogon sa ubang miyembro sa kapulisan sa Police Regional Office (PRO-13) ug sa tibuok organisasyon sa PNP.

Sa laing bahin, gipasidunggan usab ni PNP Chief Raul Bacalzo og Medalya Ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod Award si Caraga PNP Regional Director Chief Supt. Reynaldo S. Rafal ug Caraga PNP Chief of Staff Senior Supt. Nestor Fajura atol sa flag ceremony sa Camp Crame niadtong Abril 11, kauban sila Deputy Regional Director for Operations Police Chief Supt. Isagani Francisco Ganabe, Jr. and Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Director Jerome Baxinella tungod sa ilang mahinungdanong kontribusyon sa pagsulbad sa hostage-crisis.

Samtang gihatagan usab og pasidungog sila Agusan del Sur Governor Adolph Edward Plaza, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur Mayor Albin Magdamit, Agusan del Sur Provincial Social Welfare Officer Josefina Bajade ug Fr. Carlito Clase sa Caraga Conference for Peace and Development (CCPD) sa ilang pagsuporta sa malinawong pagtapos sa maong insidente.

Kung mahinumduman, niadtong April 1, 2011, 16 ka mga tawo ang gipanghostage sa grupo ni Kenken Perez sa may alas 6:00 ang takna kapin kon kulang samtang kini namaui gikan nga nag-attend og graduation rites.

Pipila ka adlaw, duha sa mga biktim ang gipangbuhi-an aron ipadangat sa local crisis management ang ilang mga demanda lakip na ang pagpangayo og pagkaon ug medisina para sa mga nangasakit nga mga hostages.

Nahibalo-ang gihatag sa crisis management committee ang gipangayo sa mga hostage-takers apan gihangyo kini nga dili na lamang pabalikon ang duha nga gibuhian ngadto sa ilang lugar nga nahimutangan. Tuod man, misugot ang mga suspetsado ug sa sunod nga adlaw, usa ka laing biktima ang gibuhian.

Human sa lima ka adlaw, gi-abandona sa mga suspetsado ang nahabili’ng 13 ka mga hostages sa kalasanga’ng bahin sa Purok 8, Barangay La Purisima kung diin ang mga biktima gitagbo ni Agusan del Sur Governor Adolph Edward Plaza. (RER-PIA Caraga)

PIA News Service - Monday, April 25, 2011

Surigao del Sur joins World Malaria Day Celebration

by Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, April 25 (PIA) - The province of Surigao del Sur joins World Malaria day celebration on April 25 as declared by World Health organization (WHO).

With the theme "Achieving Progress and Impact," the Provincial Heath Office (PHO) chief Dr. Romeo delos Reyes led this morning a motorcade to highlight the occasion within the City of Tandag and Municipality of Tago.

According to Delos Reyes, the event aims to sustain the gains in raising community awareness in combatting Malaria in the province.

The health office is also set to go on April 27 to an indigenous people community in Barangay Libas Sud, San Miguel, 31 kilometers south of the City to provide apackage of health services like free medical and dental examination, distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). They will also conduct indoor residual spraying (IRS) to some houses. (Radyo ng Bayan Tandag/PIA Surigao del Sur)


Cebuano News: Surigao City nanginahanglan ug dugang nga mga animal female breeders

ni Annette Villaces

SURIGAO CITY, Abr. 25 (PIA) – Ang syudad sa Surigao nanginahanglan karon ug dugang nga mga animal female breeders. Kini gibutyag ni Dr. Alan Quines ang kasamtangang hepe sa City Veterinary Office ngadto kang Mayor Ernesto Matugas atol sa ilang gipahigayon nga monthly report bag-uhay pa lamang.

Si Quines nagkanayon nga dako kaayo ang panginahanglan sa syudad ug mga babaye nga hayop. Ang syudad nagkinahanglan pa ug dugang 1,711 heads nga baka, 615 carabao, 6,994 baboy, 1,127 kanding, 1,645 manok ug 11,984 ka mga pato aron makuha ang sakto nga panginahanglanon nga konsumo sa syudad, matud pa niya.

Si Mayor Ernesto Matugas mimando na sa paghimo ug posibleng lakang aron madugangan ang nasangpit nga kulang aron maabot ang demand of consumption sa syudad. (PIO-Surigao City/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Cebuano News: Hiniusang DOE-DOJ task force gimugna aron sutaon ang oil price hike

ni Susil Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, April 25 (PIA) -- Gianunsyo sa Malacañang nga ang hiniusang task force sa Department of Energy (DOE) ug ang Department of Justice (DOJ) maoy gitahasan sa pagdetermina kung adunay nahimong pag-abuso sa pipila ka mga oil companies sa ilang gihimong oil price hike nga mas taas kumpara sa gitakda sa Energy Department.

Si Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda mibutyag nga ang DOE mimando na sa pipila ka mga oil companies sa pag sumiter sa ilang mga rason ngano nga ang usbaw sa presyo sa ilang gasolina karong semanaha mas taas man kumpara sa gitakdang presyo sa DOE.

Apan si Lacierda, namahayag nga ang maong joint task force dili maka imposar ug sukdanan nga presyo sa gasolina, tungod sa Oil Deregulation Law sa atong nasod nga nagtugot sa pipila ka mga oil companies sa pagdetermina sa ilang presyo sa gasolina sa merkado.

Ubos sa balaod, ang DOJ-DOE task force gimugna aron pagmonitor ug segurohon nga makiangayon ug makatarunganon ang maong pagpasibo.

Si Oil Industry Management Bureau director Zenaida Monsada, sa DOE, bag-ohay palang nag-ingon nga ang joint DOE-DOJ Task Force nakadawat na ug taho gikan sa pipila ka mga kumpanya aron pagtin-aw sa ilang gihimo nga pagpasibo.

Ang pipila ka mga oil companies mi-implementar na niadtong Martes sa fuel price hike nga 60 sentimos para sa gasolina ug 25 sentimos para sa krudo.

Si Monsada nag-ingon nga ang DOE base sa ilang kalkulasyon sa fuel price hike mitudlo lamang ug 39 sentimos para sa gasolina ug 16 sentimos para sa krudo.

Ang gobyerno nagtugot sa mga oil companies nga mag round off sa umento ngadto sa nearest 10 centavos, dugang pa niya.

Kini nagpasabot nga ang kalkulasyon sa gobyerno mitugot lamang ug price hike nga 40 imbes 60 sentimos para sa gasolina, ug 20 imbes na 25 sentimos para sa krudo. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Surigao City hires 150 students for SPES program

by Annette Villaces

SURIGAO CITY, Apr. 25 (PIA) – The city government here hired at least 150 students under the government’s summer job program.

Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Rolando Uyan said that out of 500 applicants only 150 students were selected to qualify under the Special Program for Employment of Students or SPES which started last week.

Uyan said the program will only run for 20 days. “Each of them will receive P150 per day as their allowance.”

“54 of them will be assigned in the field to conduct the registration of skilled workers while the rest will be assigned in the different offices of the city,” Uyan added.

Just last week, an employment contract of summer job students was recently signed by city Mayor Ernesto Matugas at the City Auditorium.

The SPES program is in line with the Republic Act (RA) 9547 otherwise known as “Summer Jobs.” (PIO-Surigao City/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Sunday, April 24, 2011

PIA-Caraga’s SMS strategy works

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 24 (PIA) -- “Because the public has the right to know and the right to access information in a timely, accurate, and relevant manner,” was the answer of Abner Caga, Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Caraga OIC when asked by local mediamen here on the significance of the short messaging system (SMS) better known to the public as texting and its use as the information dissemination strategy of the PIA.

In a roundtable discussion marking the office’s launching of the “share-an-info” campaign held recently at PIA-Caraga, Caga emphasized that texting is a big boost in the updating of situations in real time and its significance in the quick response of concerned government agencies.

Caga pointed out that the SMS is one of the fastest means of transmitting and receiving information. It is also inexpensive. Unbeknownst to many, texting could save lives through the dissemination of critical information. It can pinpoint situations that print could not. It is also fast, reliable, and accurate, for as long as the recipient and receivers are members of a communication group ready to send and receive relevant information anytime, anywhere.

As a matter of fact, said Caga, PIA-Caraga recipients also gave the mobile numbers of their friends and relatives to PIA and requested to include them as recipients of critical information.

Furthermore, information officers of other government agencies and the local government units are among the recipients of PIA information dissemination. They voluntarily share any information from their workplaces that will serve as SMS input to be sent to all the PIA recipients.

During the spate of floodings in Caraga early this year, PIA-Caraga’s SMS recipients also played important roles in disseminating information on the status of the road networks in the region.

The monitoring of the water level in Agusan River through the LGUs were also texted by local chief executives to PIA for airing in the region. “Information was immediately aired by broadcasters who were on-board during the time they received the SMS,” Caga explained.

Further, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (RDRRMC) Disaster Update, including the PAGASA update, and even the status of the flight and ship schedules, through the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) were also texted to PIA for dissemination.

“Through this strategy, we were able to create networks of SMS recipients and through these relevant information, we were able to help the community especially during a disaster,” Caga explained.

In a separate interview, Fr. John Christian Young, president of Father Saturnino Urios University here said that through PIA’s SMS, it seems that the recipients readily tuned-in their radios, television sets, and were so involved as to read the newspapers every hour, every minute, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

As of March 31, PIA-Caraga was able to have 603 SMS recipients to include religious organizations, non-government organizations, student leaders, academe, AFP and PNP officials and personnel, regional line agencies, LGUs, local and national media correspondents in Caraga, and government information officers in the region, among others. (PIA 13, Caraga)


IPs converged in Surigao del Sur for peace and unity

by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

DIATAGON, Lianga, Surigao del Sur, Apr. 24 (PIA) –- In its effort to uphold unity among tribesmen, the Indigenous Peoples (IP) of Surigao del Sur converged in an activity dubbed as Kahimunan 2011 held recently at Km. 16 of this town which is part of the Andap Valley comprising the municipalities of San Agustin, Marihatag and this municipality.

According to Larry Tañola, newly elected president and spokesperson of the group said the activity is aimed at uniting the four IP tribes composed of Manobo, Mamanwa, Mandaya and the Higaonon, and discussed the present status in accordance with the Indigenous People's Rights Act particularly on the issue of their ancestral domain. Tañola said most of them are now leaving the areas due to the threat of Communist People's Party/New Pople's Army (CPP/NPA).

In a discussion with the local media here, the group said what they want is peace in the area particularly in Andap Valley, where the IPs claim as their ancestral domain (yutang kabilin) land. The group presented several lists of their leaders’ Datus and civilians who were victims of killings allegedly perpetrated by CPP/NPA in the province.

According to the IPs, they are the ones suffering the most as civilians every time there is combat operation conducted by the government troops against the CPP/NPA.

The IPs are also complaining on their claim of ancestral domain. Accordingly, most of the areas are now owned by migrant people, referring the Samilla Corporation, a logging company operating in the area.

Having informed of the complaint, National Commission of Indigenous People's (NCIP) Provincial Officer Engr. Charlyn Binghoy said the IPs in the said community must unite as their office is always willing to assist them for any legal actions with regards to the issuance of title of the said ancestral domain.

Binghoy said to date, six Certificates of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) were already approved by the NCIP in Surigao del Sur and their office is still looking into the other applications for CADT issuances.

The said activity was facilitated by the Philippine Army who secured the area, where accordingly, most of the IPs who joined the activity received death threats prior to the conduct of the Kahimunan.

Kahimunan is a local term which means gathering and the IPs intentionally converged in a place where several IPs have been displaced before to serve as eye opener to the community that progress and prosperity will be achieved if there is unity among them.

According to the lumads, the place is a battleground of the military and the Communist Party of the Philippine/New People's Army (CPP/NPA) for more than a decade now.

The provincial government of Surigao del Sur thru Governor Johnny Pimentel made efforts in mobilizing the participants using the LGU’s dump trucks to transport the IPs to and from the area. (PIA Surigao del Sur)


Tagalog News: Hepe ng PRO-13 nagpasalamt kay Cong. Aquino sa ibinigay nitong 14 bagong armas sa BCPO

ni Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 24 -- Malaking pasalamat ni PCSupt. Reynaldo Rafal, Regional Director ng Police Regional Office-13 kay Congressman Jose “Joboy” Aquino ng unang distrito ng probinsya ng Agusan del Norte sa ibinigay nitong 14 na bagong armas sa Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) kamakailan lamang.

Sa ginawang simpleng programa na ginanap sa PRO-13 Conference Room sa camp Rafael Rodriguez, Libertad, siyudad ng Butuan, binigay ni Dir. Rafal ang kaniyang taos-pusong pasasalamat sa nasabing opisyal na nakilala bilang isa sa mga crime busters ng siyudad.

Binigyang ng military Side Honor si Cong. Aquino ng mga kasapi ng 13th Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) bago niya pormal na ibinigay kay Supt. Rafal ang 14 na M16 (M4) rifles.

Matapos tanggapin ni Rafal ang mga nasabing armas, pormal din niya itong ibinigay kaagad kay PSupt. Francisco Dungo, BCPO’s Deputy City Director for Operations, pagkatapos ng ginawang paglalagda ng Deed of Donation.

Sa kaniyang pananalita, sinabi ni Rafal na ang mga ibinigay na mga high-powered rifles ni Cong. Aquino ay may malaking maitutulong sa mga kawani ng PRO-13 kung saan napasailalim nito ang pangagasiwa sa BCPO upang mapalakas ang kanilang operasyon at kapasidad sa pagsugpo ng iba’t-ibang krimen sa siyudad matapos nitong mabuo PNP BCPO’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team nu’ng mga nakaraang buwan.

Samantala, sa kaniyang talumpati, pinangakuan ni Cong. Aquino ang PRO-13 at BCPO ng kaniyang walang humpay na suporta at sinabing ito ang isa sa kaniyang mga prayoridad bilang opisyal ng unang distrito ng Agusan del Norte at isa sa mga nabigyan ng responsibilidad na sugpuin ang krimen na nangyayari sa kaniyang distrito.

Nangako rin si Aquino na magbigay ng anim na multicabs upang magamit ng puwersa ng kapulisan ng BCPO na maipalaganap ang seguridad ng mamamayan sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaroon ng police visibility. Sinabi ni Aquino na ibibigay niya ang mga nasabing sasakyan bago matapos ang taong ito.

Matatandaang namigay din ng mga multicabs ang nasabing mambabatas sa 86 na mga barangay dito sa siyudad ng Butuan at ng Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte upang magamit bilang service vehicle ng mga nasabing barangay lalung-lalo na sa panahon ng emergency. Ang siyudad ng Butuan at Las Nieves ang bumubuo ng unang distrito ng Agusan del Norte.

Dumalo sa turn-over ceremony ang mga miyembro ng PRO-13 Command Group, ilang matataas na opisyal ng PNP sa rehiyon ng Caraga sampu ng kanilang mga personahe at mga miyembro ng BCPO PNP SWAT Team. (PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: Katahom sa kinabuhi, maaninaw sa pagkabanhaw ni Hesus - CBCP Pres.

BUTUAN CITY, Abr. 24 -- “Tuguti nga ang matag-kasing-kasing, dili mubati og kagubot. Pagpuyo sa kalinaw tungod kay karong adlawa, ang katahom sa kinabuhi mu-aninag sa pagkabanhaw sa Diyos.”

Kini ang Easter message ni Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) ug Tandag Archbishop Nereo Odchimara sa katawhan sa pagsaulog sa pagkabanhaw sa atong Manluluwas nga si Jesukristo.

Matud ni Odchimar, ang kinatibuk-ang Kristiyanismo naghandom karon sa mahimayaong kalihukan sa Pagkabahnhaw kon Easter. Sa Kristuhanong tradisyon, ang Easter mao ang pinakasayo’ng kapistahan sa Simbahan nga kanunay'ng gisa-ulog sa tanang adlaw'ng Dominggo sa kinatibuk-ang liturhikanhong tuig.

“Kini nga kapistahan n ga naila’ng inahan sa tanang mga piyesta, espesyal nga gisa-ulog sa pagtapos sa Semana Santa og Sacred Triduum, og nagtimaan sa sinugdanan sa Easter Season kon panahon sa Pagkabanhaw,” si Odchimar nagkanayon.

Gidugang sa pangulo sa CBCP nga alang sa mga Kristiyanos, ang wala'y hunong nga selebrasyon sa Easter mahinungdanon kaayo tungod kay kini nga okasyon mag-aghat man sa matag-tumutuo pagpamalandong sa pinaka-maayong pagpadayag sa gugma sa Diyos kansa hingpit nga gipakita ni Kristo kinsa namatay tungod sa sala sa katawhan og subling nabuhi aron pagparot sa gikahadlukang kamatayon.

“Niining masadyaong okasyon, ang matag-usa ilabina kadtong nagsubo og nagmamingawon, aron saksihan ang kahayag sa kaadlawon og aron subling puy-an ang mga kalipay og konswelo nga dala sa kada-ugan sa kinabuhi,” ang pagtapos ni Odchimar.

Sa laing bahin, bisan sa kadaot sa panahon nga nahi-aguman sa pipila ka lugar dinhi sa Caraga Region, malampuson guihapon ang gihimong pagsaulog sa Dominggo sa pagkabanhaw sa atong Ginoo.

Nagkalain-laing paagi sa pag-pahigayon og Easter Mass ang ginahimo sa nagkalain-laing parokya ni’ng rehiyon. Alas tres pa lang sayo sa kaadlawon, wala panumbalinga sa mga katawhan ang kalapok nga mipatigbabaw sa mga nag-una’ng karsada ni’ng dakbayan mahitungod sa walay pu-as usab nga pag-ulan-ulan nga nasinatian dinhi ni’ng nakalabay’ng mga adlaw, aron lamang sa pagsaksi sa pagahimuon nga “Sugat” sa matag parokya, samtang ang uban usab ato-a karon sa mga beach resorts aron sa pagsaulog sa pagkabanhaw ni Kristong Hesus.

Sa pagkakaron, nahibalu-ang wala’y naitala nga mga dagkong panghitabo atol sa pagsaulog sa Easter Sunday. (BR/PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Saturday, April 23, 2011

Tagalog News: Masamang panahon, hindi hadlang sa mga debotong sumali sa Panaad 2011 sa Butuan

ni Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Abr. 23 (PIA) -- Hindi naging hadlang ang masamang panahon para sa mga deboto dito sa Butuan makasali lamang sa taunang “Panaad 2011” kung saan tinatayang mahigit dalawang libo katao ang umakyat kahapon ng madaling araw (Abril 22) sa may bulubunduking bahagi ng Brgy. Anticala.

Ang taunang kaganapan ay kaugnay sa ipinagdiwang ng sangkatauhan sa buong mundo lalung-lalo na ng Iglesia Katolika – ang pagpasakit ni Hesukristo sa tuwing Semana Santa. Ang “Via Krusis” (Way of the Cross) ay isa sa naging importante’ng kaganapan tuwing Biyernes Santo lalung-lalo na ng mga Katoliko.

Ang mga namanata ay maagang gumising para lamang sumali sa “Station of the Cross” na pinangunahan ni Fr. Joesilo Amalla at ng iba pang mga kaparian ng St. Joseph Cathedral na tinaguriang ina ng mga parokya ng siyudad.

Hindi rin nagpahuli ang ilan sa mga opisyal ng siyudad, maging si Congressman Jose Aquino II ng unang distrito ng Agusan del Norte at siyang naging organizer ng nasabing taunang religious activity.

Sa pakikipanayam kay Fr. Amalla, inamin nito na upang masigurong hindi maging hadlang ang maputik na daan dahil gabi pa lang nu’ng Huwebes nagsimula ang pagbuhos ng ulan dito, nagsuot siya ng bota at nang sa gayon ay matapos niya ang 14 na estasyon na inilagay mula sa Sitio Iyao hanggang sa Sitio Mahayahay ng Brgy. Anticala dito sa siyudad.

Ito rin ang sinabi ni Nanay Farmenia na isa sa mga namamanata. Aniya gabi pa lang ng Huwebes, nagdadasal na siya na sana tumila ang ulan upang matuloy ang nasabing kaganapan. Dagdag pa niya, naghanda na rin siya ng kaniyang bota at maging ng raincoat dahil kung sakaling hindi talaga tumigil ang ulan ay makakasama pa rin siya dito.

Para naman kay Aling Felisa, ang ganitong taunang pangyayari ay hindi dapat palampasin. Sabi niya, bukod sa ganitong uri ng pag-ninilay-nilay, nakakadagdag pa raw ito sa pagpapaunlad ng turismo dito tulad din ng “Panaad” ng probinsya ng Camiguin sa Northern Mindanao.

Napag-alamang tulad ng mga nakaraang taon, alas kuwatro pa lang ng madaling araw, may mga sasakyan nang nag-aabang sa may Rizal Park dito para ihatid ng libre ang mga tao duon mismo sa ibaba ng bundok ng Brgy. Anticala.

Tinatatayang aabot sa limang kilometro ang layo ng nasabing barangay sa mga sentrong bahagi ng siyudad ng Butuan.

Samantala, buong pinagmamalaki ni Fr. Amalla ang mga local historians ng siyudad sa kanilang walang humpay na pagsuporta sa isyu na kung saan ginanap ang unang misa sa Linggo ng Pagkabuhay o Easter Sunday dito sa Pilipinas.

Dagdag ni Amalla, ipinaglalaban pa rin ng mga lokal na historians na ang nasabing unang misa sa bansa ay nangyari rito sa Butuan at hindi sa kung ano ang nakalagay sa mga aklat ng kasaysayan ng bansa.

Kung matatandaan, ang Panaad 2011 (Pangako) ay sinimulan noong 2007 at ngayon ay nagsimula na rin itong dinadayo ng mga namamanata dito at maging sa mga karatig na probinsya ng Agusan del Norte at Agusan del Sur. (PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog News: BCPO nagbigay ng paalala upang maiwasang mabiktima ng magnanakaw ngayong tag-araw

ni Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Abr. 23 (PIA) -- Habang nasa kalagitnaan na ng tag-init, hindi maiiwasan ang pagpupunta ng mga tao sa kani-kanilang probinsya upang duon ipagdiwang ang Semana Santa o dili kaya’y isang simpleng pagbabakasyon.

Sa kadahilanang ito, minabuti ng tanggapan ng Butuan City Police na magbigay ng mga tips upang maiwasan ang hindi inaasahang mga pangyayari tulad na lamang halimbawa ang mabiktima ng pagnanakaw.

Upang mas lalong mag i-enjoy sa bakasyon, narito ang anim na tips na pinamahagi ng tanggapan ng pulisya dito:

Tip # 1: Kapag nasa kainan sa isang hotel, restoran o anumang kainan, huwag iwanan ang pitaka o laptop sa mesa o pabitin sa mga gilid ng isang upuan. Ito’y nagbibigay ng pagkakataon sa mga magnanakaw na kunin ang mga ito.

Tip # 2: Huwag mang-akit ng pansin sa pamamagitan ng suot na mahal na alahas. Di mo alam na may magnanakaw sa gitna ng iyong kapwa travelers. Mas mabuti, iwan ang alahas sa isang safety box sa bahay. Para mo na rin kasi’ng inaakit ang isang magnanakaw sa mga suot mong alahas.

Tip # 3: Huwag iwanan ang mga mahalagang pag-aari sa mga hotel rooms kung lalabas. Palaging dalhin ang mga ito sa tuwing lalabas ka ng iyong kuwarto. Ilan sa mga ito ay ang iyong pitaka.

Tips # 4: Laging dalhin ang iyong pasaporte at ID card para sa iyong pagkakakilanlan. Pakakaalalahanin na ito’y mga mahalagang bagay at hindi ito dapat mawalay sa iyo.

Tips # 5: Huwag kailanman pumunta sa lugar na nag-iisa at walang kakilala. Kung mag venture, kailangang may kasama. Huwag humiwalay sa grupo. Mas mainam ang mas marami upang hindi mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang magnanakaw na nakawan ka sa pamamagitan ng pag-snatch ng kahit ano’ng dinadala mo.

Tips # 6: Huwag panatilihin ang lahat ng iyong cash sa isang lugar upang sa ganoong paraan kapag nawala ang wallet o bag, may naiwan ka pang pera sa ibang kinalalagyan.

Ito ay ilan lang sa mga tips na maaaring sunding ng kahit sino upang maiwasan ang paglaganap ng mga krimen. Sa ganitong paraan, ikaw ay makakaiwas na mabiktima ng mga kawatan. (PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: Ulan, wala gipanumbaling sa mga misalmot sa Panaad 2011 sa Butuan City

BUTUAN CITY, Abr. 23 (PIA) -- Wala nahimong babag sa mga Butuanon og Agusanon ang pag-ulan ulan tungod kay gibana-banang dos-mil pa gihapon ka mga deboto ang misalmot sa ika-upat ka tuig nang pagpahigayon sa Panaad 2011 isip paghandom sa mga pagpasakit ni Hesus panahon sa Biernes Santo kagahapong adlawa, Abr. 22.

Ang mga entrante, sayong mimata aron lamang maka-apil ka station of the cross nga gipangunahan ni Fr. Joesilo Amalla og ubang kaparian ingon man ni Congressman Joeboy Aquino nga maoy organizer sa nasangpit nga kalihukan.

Aminado si Fr. Amalla nga aron masegurong dili mabalda sa lapok tungod sa pag-ulan nga nagsugod sa gabii pa sa Huwebes Santo, nagsuot na siya og butas sa ingon matapos gyod ang pagbisita sa 14 ka mga krus nga gimontar gikan sa Sitio Iyao ngadto na sa Sitio Mahayahay sa Brgy. Anticala ning siyudad.

Usa lamang sa gipasigarbo ni Padre Amalla mao ang padayong pagbarog sa mga local historians nga dinhi gyod sa Butuan ilabina sa Masawa natigayon ang unang misa og dili sa Limasawa, Leyte.

Gani, sa maong lugar usab sa tibuok Pilipinas unang gi-ampo ang Amahan Namo og Maghimaya Ka Maria, base sa ilang nakuhang mga ebidensya. (BR/PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: Hepe sa PRO-13 mapasalamaton kang Cong. Aquino sa pagdonar og bag-ong 14 ka armas sa BCPO

ni Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Abr. 23 (PIA) -- Dako ang pasalamat ni PCSupt. Reynaldo Rafal, Regional Director sa Police Regional Office-13 kang Congressman Jose “Joboy” Aquino sa unang distrito sa Agusan del Norte tungod sa pagdonar niini og 14 ka mga bag-ong armas sa Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) dili pa lang dugay.

Sa gihimong simpleng seremonya didto sa PRO-13 Conference Room sa Camp Rafael Rodriguez, Brgy. Libertad, Butuan City, gitunol ni Dir. Rafal ang iyang pasalamat sa maong opisyal kansang naila nga usa sa mga crime buster ni’ng dakbayan.

Si Cong. Aquino gi-welcome sa usa ka Side Honor sa mga personahe sa 13th regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) aron personal ug pormal nga gitunol ngadto kang Supt. Rafal ang 14 ka mga M16 (M4) rifles.

Human gidawat ni Rafal ang maong mga donasyon, iya usab dayon kini’ng gitunol ngadto kang PSupt. Francisco Dungo, BCPO’s Deputy City Director for Operations, pagkahuman sa pinirmahay sa Deed of Donation.

Sa iyang pakigpulong, si Rafal nagkanayon nga ang mga gipang-donar nga mga tag-as nga mga armas ni Cong. Aquino dako og tabang sa mga personahe sa PRO-13 kung diin ilawom niini ang supervision sa BCPO aron sa pagpalambo sa ilang operational ug kapasidad sa pagsumpo sa kriminalidad sa dakbayan human nga nahimo ang PNP BCPO’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team niadtong mga nakalabay’ng bulan.

Si Cong. Aquino usab sa iyang mensahe misaad sa iyang makanunayo’ng pagtabang sa PRO-13 ug sa BCPO ug nagkanayon nga kini mao ang usa sa iyang mga prayoridad isip opisyal sa unang distrito sa Agusan del Norte ug usa sa gitahasan sa pagsumpo sa kriminalidad sa dakbayan ug sa kasikbit nga probinsya sa Agusan del Norte.

Si Aquino usab misaad nga muhatag og unom ka mga multicabs aron magamit sa kapulisan sa BCPO sa pagsugpo sa kriminalidad pinaagi sa police visibility. Si Aquino nagkanayon nga kini mahatag niini’ng tuiga.

Kung mahinumduman, si Cong. Aquino usab mihatag og mga multicabs sa 86 ka mga barangay ni’ng dakbayan ug sa Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte aron gamiton isip service vehicle sa matag barangay ilabi na panahon nga aduna’y emergency. Ang dakbayan sa Butuan ug Las Nieves mao’y naglangkop sa Unang Distrito sa Agusan del Norte.

Ang maong turn-over ceremony gitambungan sa mga miyembro sa PRO-13 Command Group, tag-as nga opisyal sa PNP sa rehiyon sa Caraga kauban ang mga personahe niini, lakip na ang mga miyembro sa BCPO PNP SWAT Team. (PIA-Caraga)