PIA News Service - Saturday, August 6, 2011

Lingig town mayor abducted

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, August 6 (PIA) – The chief executive of the municipality of Lingig, Surigao del Surwas abducted at around 5:30 am in his residence, thus confirmed by Tandag City Mayor Alexander Pimentel and Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel in an interview with a local radio station here this morning.

According to Mayor Pimentel in a phone-patch interview who is in Manila, town officials of Lingig as well as officials of the provincial and regional police in Caraga informed him on the incident.

He said Mayor Henry Dano along with his two escorts who are members of the Philippine Army were abducted by unidentified group on board two vans used as their exit vehicles.

The report was also confirmed by Governor Johnny Pimentel, minutes after the interview of his elder brother Mayor Pimentel.

The provincial chief executive said the exit vehicle was reported to have been heading towards the direction of Davao Oriental province.

Meanwhile, reports from the Regional Office of the Philippine National Police (PNP) here revealed thatPolice Regional Office 13 Regional Director Reynaldo Rafal has ordered Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office Provincial Director PSSupt Julito Diray to exhaust all efforts and coordinations for the immediate release of the victims.

The report added the abductors who are suspected CPP/NPA/NDF (CNN) pretended to be members of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) wearing camouflage uniform.

Further, PCSupt Rafal said that coordinations with PRO 11 and the 75th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army are currently being made who have jurisdictions over the area.

Furthermore, PSupt Diray has already made the coordination with Gov. Pimentel and has activated the Provincial Crisis Management Committee headed by the governor.

It can be recalled that the former Mayor of the town and now Vice-Mayor Roberto Luna was also abducted by members of CNN last year. During that time, Mayor Dano is the Vice-Mayor of the town, it was learned. (PIA-Caraga with reports from PNP-PRO 13)

Mayor abducted by NPA in his own home

by Lt Charlene Gabatin

SURIGAO DEL SUR, August 6 – According to the report of the 401st Brigade in Surigao del Sur, Hon Mayor Henry S Dano of Lingig Municipality in Surigao del Sur was abducted by undetermined number of fully armed NPA, believed to be members of Guerilla Front 20, in his own home on 06 August 2011 6 o’clock in the morning together with his two (2) close-in bodyguards. Said NPAs disguised themselves as NBI agents and are wearing color green NBI t-shirts. The kidnappers were seen heading towards Boston, Davao Oriental area using two (2) van vehicles; one (1) Toyota Hi-ace van color blue with plate number VDE-690 and one (1) Hundai STAREX van, color green with plate number 213. The ultimate motive for the abduction is yet to be determined by the military together with the PNP in the area.

Immediately after the abduction of Lingig Mayor Dano, 75th Infantry (Marauder) Battalion deployed troops in hot pursuit to the kidnappers but were ambushed by NPAs at Sitio Mahogany, Brgy Pagbakatan, Lingig Surigao del Sur. Firefight ensued for 30 min where one (1) soldier was killed and six (6) others were wounded. Their names are withheld prior to the notification of their immediate family.

MGen Victor Felix, Commanding General of 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division was saddened by these and calls for everybody to help put a complete stop to these senseless atrocities perpetrated by the NPAs. Furthermore, he ordered no let up pursuit operations against these armed groups.

Col Romeo Gan, the 401st brigade commander is currently coordinating with all government forces including civilian organizations to help facilitate the safe release of Mayor Dano.

The provincial government of Surigao del Sur activated a Crisis Management team headed by no less that the governor himself, Honorable Johnny T Pimentel, purposely for the safe release of Mayor Henry S Dano.

These NPAs are now getting frustrated caused by our successes with Internal Peace and Security Campaign Plan “BAYANIHAN”. The NPAs continuously focus on soft targets only, capitalizing on those who cannot fully defend themselves. (401st Brigade/PIA-Caraga)

Surigaonon News: Bag-ong chief of police sa Surigao City, milingkod na

ni Dandy Lapura

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, August 6 (PIA) – Milingkod na ang bag-ong Chief of Police saSurigao City sa pagkatawo ni Police Supt. Alfonso Pagkaliwagan, Jr., nga gikan nadestino isip Deputy Officer sa PNP Provincial Office sa probinsya sa Dinagat Islands.

Pagkahuman sa pila ka bulan nga pagserbisyo ni Officer In Charge Police Senior Inspector Dick Cale, nagmando ang PNP Higher Headquarters nga magbutang na gyud ug permanenteng
Chief of Police sa pagkatawo ni Supt. Pagkaliwagan.

Si Supt. Pagkaliwagan usab ang gipili ni Surigao City Mayor Ernesto Matugas nga molingkod gikan sa lima ka pangalan nga gipili-an.

Sa paglingkod ni Supt. Pagkaliwagan, iyang gihatagan ug importansya na ipalawig ang kampanya batok sa tanang illegal na aktibidadis sama sa ilegal nga sugal ug druga, ug apil na ang paghatag sa mga solusyon sa sunod-sunod na pagpangawat ug uban pa.

Gipamahayag usab niya, na iyang ibalik ang orihinal na sistema na diin mahimong sentralisado na ang pama-agi sa City PNP.

Ibalik na ang duha ka namugna nga police precinct sa Brgy. Taft ug Washington para sa pagdawat sa mga reklamo sa Central PNP kauban ang paglista sa mga blotter ug magpabilin sa pagbantay sa mga presinto ang mga kawani sa kapulisan para mohimo sa pagresponde sa mga krimen na mahitabo.

Gihatagan ug dakong importansya ni Supt. Pagkaliwagan nga walay iyang pilion sa iyang kampanya batok sa ilegal na aktibidadis ug bisan unsa na mga pulis na mahimong protektor ug iya kining pagadakpon ug ipahamtang ang saktong silot alang kanila. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Cebuano News: Aquino mipasidungog sa 2011 awardees sa Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines

ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, August 6 (PIA) - Gipahalipayan ni Pangulong Benigno Aquino III ang awardees sa Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) karong tuiga, siya miingon nga ang Pilipinhong nasod dako ang paglaom kanila alang sa ilang kontribusyon sa nasodnong kalamboan.

“We have the highest hopes for all of you here today, finalists and awardees alike. For everything you have already achieved, allow me to give you my most heartfelt congratulations,” ang Pangulo miingon sa iyang pamahayag nga gipaabot pinaagi kang Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. atol sa simple awarding ceremonies didto sa Malacanang kagahapong adlawa Huwebes, Agosto 4, 2011.

Ang Pangulo usab mipasalig nga ubos sa iyang liderato adunay maayong pagdumala nga makapabag-o sa paglaom alang sa maayong kaugmaon sa tanan. Ang mga Pilipino, siya miingon, labi na gyod ang mga batan-on, dili na mopili pag-adto sa laing nasod tungod sa maayong oportunidad nga anaa dinhi sa atong nasod.

Ang nasod nagsugod na pagkita sa positibong mga resulta sa reporma nga gisugdan ubos sa bag-ong liderato, ang Pangulo miingon.

Kini nga mga reporma nagpugong ug direktang tubag sa korupsyon sa burukrasya ug nagapasiugda sa kultura sa transparency ug accountability sa serbisyong gobyerno, dugang pa niya.

“Through good governance and a clear blueprint for national development that will produce more jobs in the coming years, we are slowly turning working abroad as an option, instead of the necessity it has become for some of those who want to attain better lives,” siya miingon.

Karong tuiga nga TOSP awardees mga modelo sa tanang mga kabataan sa tibuok nasod, mga lideres ugma damlag sa nasod nga dako ang matabang pag-uswag sa nasod, dugang pa niya.

Ug sa samang bahin ang Pangulo mipadayag sa iyang pagkamapasalamaton ngadto sa katawhan nga nagpaluyo sa TOSP awards alang sa ilang makanunayong paglimbasog pagselebrar sa kontribusyon sa mga kabatan-onan sa pagpalambo sa nasod.

Ang mga midawat karong tuiga sa TOSP awards naglakip nila Geminn Louis Apostol (medicine and health-related profession), Ateneo de Manila University; Christopher Millora (medicine and health-related profession), West Visayas State University; Kendrick Nigel Tan (medicine and health-related profession); Centro Escolar University; Sean Vincent Aquilino (agriculture, science and math), University of the Philippines-Diliman; Julius Paul Juen, (agriculture, science and math), University of St. La Salle; Jonathan Andro Tan (agriculture, science and math), Siliman University; Sittie Norhane Lao (humanities, communication and socialsciences),Mindanao State University-main campus; Maria Angelica Reyes (humanities, communication and social sciences), De La Salle University-Lipa City; Arleen delos Reyes (teacher education), University of Nueva Caceres; ug si Athena Plaza (business, entrepreneurship, economics, industry, criminology and law), University of San Carlos.

Mitambong usab atol sa maong kalihokan sila Jose Concepcion Jr., chairman of RFM Corp. ug RFM foundation, Maria Victoria Concepcion-Young, president of RFM Corp., Jose Maria Concepcion III, president ug CEO of RFM Corp. ug si Alfred Ramos, president ug CEO of National Bookstore.

Ang TOSP usa ka awards ug formation program nga gitukod ni businessman Jose Concepcion Jr. isip usa ka paagi aron pagdasig sa kabatan-onan aron molihok alang sa nasodnong pag-uswag Kini nagpasidungog sa mga estudyanteng mogradwar sa kolehiyo nga milabaw dili lamang sa akademiko apan nagpuyo usab sa kinabuhing gihalad sa pagserbisyo sa katawhan nga dili kasagaran kaysa uban sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka larang nga mga interes. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Friday, August 5, 2011

City gov’t urges economic sector to strengthen partnership

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, August 5 (PIA) –- Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. of this city reiterated his call to the economic sector to strengthen partnership in an effort towards poverty alleviation.

The call was made by the city’s chief executive during his report to the city held recently here saying that the local government should have strengthened partnership with the economic sector and to double their efforts together with the private sector, people’s organizations and the non-government organizations to achieve such goal.

However, Mayor Amante said because of the joint efforts of the concerned organizations, “indicators show that progress and development that we have achieved increases.”

Amante added because of the partnership with the key organizations, the city has become the destination of MICE (Meetings, Incentives and Exhibits) in the whole region of Caraga.

The city’s chief executive also stressed that the city has a total of 2,400 hotel beds and 1,300 hotel rooms.

“Because of this, there’s no reason that we cannot host a regional or national conference monthly,” Amante said.

The report of Mayor Amante drew positive feedback from the general public, it was learned. (PIA-Caraga)

Senator Guingona praises Zubiri

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, August 5 (PIA) –- Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chair Sen. Teofisto “TG” Guingona today praised the move of former Senator Miguel Zubiri who recently resigned due to the alleged poll fraud in 2004 and 2007 Senatorial elections where Zubiri won over Atty. Coco Pimentel in a controversial result from the Commission on Elections.

In an interview with a local radio station here this morning, Sen. Guingona said the entire Senate also praised Zubiri for what he did. “He is just showing a gesture of being a gentlemen who values integrity and honor,” Guingona said.

Guingona also said he has nothing against Zubiri as they both come from Mindanao. “Sen Zubiri and I have a common vision for the development of Mindanao… with his resignation, I will do everything to continue that vision because Mindanaoans are too close to us,” Guingona added.

When asked on his opinion of the alleged election fraud, he said the Senate is on the process of conducting investigation. “Sooner or later, everything will be cleared,” Guingona said. (PIA-Caraga)

DILG conducts training for tanods in Agusan del Sur

by Rena L. Naguita

BUTUAN CITY, August 5 –- the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) recently conducted a whole day training of 183 barangay tanods of La Paz, Agusan del Sur in an effort to strengthen the civilian volunteers or tanods of the 15 barangays of La Paz and make them effective in the discharge of their duties, functions, and responsibilities.

During the training, barangay tanods were given role playing exercises and actual display of skills. The activity also involved lecture/discussions on the Roles and Responsibilities of Barangay Tanods, Basics on First Responders, Arrest and Handcuffing Techniques, Internal Security Operations (ISO) and other values formation topics.

In his message, Mayor Ambrocio Lim stressed the importance of barangay tanods in governance and in the maintenance of peace and order and public safety in the entire municipality of La Paz, where threat of lawless elements is present. He also encouraged the participants to do their duties and functions despite minimal honorarium received every month.

Mayor Lim distributed vest to each tanod and promised to provide one handcuff per barangay before the month ends.

The training was jointly conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) of La Paz, Agusan del Sur; Municipal Local Government of La Paz; Liga ng mga Barangay-La Paz Chapter; Philippine National Police (PNP); Armed Forces of the Philippines (26th IB, 41ID, PA), and National Auxiliary Chaplaincy of the Philippines. (DIL-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Caraga)

Aurora farmers now proud land-owners

by David M. Suyao

AURORA, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur (August 5) –- Some 125 farmers here are now proud to be called land owners of the land they till, after receiving their official land titles from Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza as concrete proof of ownership.

Gov. Plaza was met by Barangay Captain Rodolfo Obguia and hundreds of Barangay Aurora officials and residents. But what caught the Governor’s attention was the number of children who cheered when they saw the governor.

“As I recall, the last time I visited you here in Barangay Aurora was in 2006. But I only see a little number of children. Now, I can’t believe the number of children I saw here! I have been in almost all barangays in the province but your barangay is one of the most children-populated barangays in Agusan del Sur,” Gov. Plaza said.

According to Gov. Plaza, it is normal that remote rural areas are expected to bear more children compared to urban areas, but couples should control themselves in order control the population.
“It is not a joke to have plenty of children to nurture and prepare their bright future. So I appeal to all of the couples here to control yourselves in order to control the rapid population of children in your barangay. For those children who are in school, do your best to excel in you studies, because your provincial government is granting scholarship to deserving students. What you have to do is pass the requirements, and you will enjoy free college education for a better future,” Gov. Plaza said.

Going back to the distribution of land titles, Gov. Plaza said he did not made a second thought when Barangay Captain Obguia approach him in his office and ask for help for the titling of their farm lands.

“You will now have peace of mind because the land you are working is already yours. Make the best out of your property so that all our efforts will not be wasted. I do not want to hear that after you hold your land titles, you will use them for collaterals for loans in the banks. The tendency is they will never return to you, and again, the same problem both of us will confront someday,” Gov. Plaza said.

Not only the distribution of land titles were enjoyed by the Aurora farmers. Gov. Plaza also ordered the rehabilitation of the road from the highway to Aurora. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)

News Feature: BCPO Inaugurates Quality Service Lane

Complaints filed at the Butuan City Police office used to be processed at makeshift tables marked "Complaint Desk." But now, the city police can boast of Quality Service Lane facility, which was inaugurated on August 2.

The change started a few months back with a series of plans and commitments not only from the rank-and-file of the PNP personnel but from the local government of Butuan under the leadership of Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. as well.

Police Senior Superintendent Jose V. Carillo, ordered his station commanders to speed up the construction or renovation of the Quality Service Lane of the police stations.

Carillo did not only envision for the mere establishment or creation of a simple QSL to five offices of his police stations in the different parts of the City of Butuan but he also aimed for an impressive one putting into consideration that Butuan City is the seat of government of the Caraga Region. As a result, he began the construction and renovation of the QSL facilities of the Butuan City Police Station 1, which is co-located with Butuan City Police Office where he is the city director.

Changes within the compound of Butuan City Police Office began to take shape as the days passed by. The transformation of the old Complaint Desk into a new Quality Service Lane was started at a separate building that housed the Guardhouse. Expansion and modifications took place to accommodate the receiving room together with other facilities like chairs, tables, and others.

Reconstruction of the parking lot within the compound to fit the new requirement was considered a challenge due to the limited space of the compound. But ingenuity prevailed and finally, a new parking lot emerged to accommodate complainants and walk-in clients guided by signs and billboard markers. A separate comfort room for male and female clients was also constructed for the purpose.

“We are proud to tell the people of Butuan that a standard Quality Service Lane is finally constructed in this part of the country to meet the people’s demands for a service-oriented and client-friendly police office, Police Senior Superintendent Jose Carillo stated. (PNP-PRO 13/PIA-Caraga)


DPWH Surigao Norte recipient of Road Board Project

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Aug. 5 (PIA) -– District Engineer Linda A. Uypala of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Surigao del Norte 1st Engineering District said today that her office is a recipient of a number of projects from the Road Board program under the Motor Vehicle User's Charge (MVUC) funded projects.

According to Uypala the fund for this program was intended to maintain and keep the national and secondary road in good condition.

She said that a P10 Million worth of project was already downloaded for the repair and rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Daang Maharlika (Surigao-Agusan Road Section).

“It involves rehabilitation of 11.1 km. damaged paved road and asphalt overlay of 0.6205 km. with exception,” she said.

Uypala said the purpose of road maintenance is to reduce the rate of deterioration and prolong the service life of roads, provide the riding public with more convenient and safe road travel and to effectively cut costs in the wear and tear on roads. (DPWH 1st Engineering District/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Cebuano News: Coloma gipangulohan ang unang anibersaryo sa Presidential Communications Operations Office

ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, August 5 (PIA) -- Si Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. mipahimangno sa mga empleyado nga nahisakop sa communications department to be always FIT—faithful with integrity and working as a team.

Si Coloma mipalanog niini atol sa gipahigayong Misa kagahapong adlawa Huwebes, Agosto 4, 2011 didto sa New Executive Building sa Malacanang atol sa selebrasyon sa unang anibersaryo sa PCOO.

Sunod sa iyang pag asumir, si Pangulong Benigno Aquino III mipirma sa Executive Order No. 4 niadtong Hulyo 30,2010, mihinganlan pag usab sa opisina sa Press Secretary isip PCOO ug gibuhat ang Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office.

Ang PCOO, nga gipangulohan ni Secretary Coloma, maoy gitasan sa pag apod-apod sa mga mensahe sa gobyerno ngadto sa pribadong mga media companies ug mag superbisar sa mga gipanag-iya sa gobyerno nga mga media entities.

“Itong kinabibilangan natin ay may mahabang kasaysayan na,” Coloma said in his short speech following the Mass. “We are inheritors of an entire thread of history. At yung thread na yun ang sentro dun yung vocation natin,” dugang pa niya.

Sa ilang pag selebrar sa unang aniberasryo sa PCOO, si Secreatry Coloma mipahimangno sa mga empleyado sa gobyerno nga dili kalimtan ang pulong nga FIT o faith, integrity and teamwork.

“Yung faith may pananampalataya tayo at yun ang pinanggagalingan ng ating lakas, ng ating inspirasyon ng ating dunong at ng ating enthusiasm,” pamahayag ni Coloma.

“Sana po habang sinasariwa natin ang ating didikasyon, ang ating commitment sa ating calling, tandaan po natin we must always be FIT--faithful with integrity and working as a team,” dugang pa niya.

Uban kang Coloma, mitambong usab sa maong Misa sila Undersecretary for Operations George Syliangco, Undersecretary for Finance and Administration Eduardo Visperas, Assistant Secretary Rey Marfil, ug si Assistant Secretary Elizardo de Layola. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Surigaonon News: Surigao del Norte, Liga sa Mayores mupasiugda sa ikaduhang Market Day

ni Dandy Lapura

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, August 5 (PIA) – Pagkatapos sa kalamposan sa permiro na Market Day niadtong Hulyo 22, 2011, ang mga lokal nga producers ug suppliers sa nagkalain-lain nga munisipyo sa Surigao del Norte nagkahi-usa na sad sa paghimo ug ikaduha na Market Day karong adlawa August 5.

Malaumon karon si Bacuag Mayor Sheila-Mae Orquina Cebedo, presidente sa League of the Mayors of the Philippines (LMP) Surigao del Norte chapter, ubay-bay gyud karon ang muapil nga mga suppliers kumpara sa niadtong una.

Gipamahayag usab ni Mayor Cebedo nga kining maong kalihokan gi-suportahan gyud kini sa mga myembro sa LMP Surigao del Norte chapter ug ilang gitinguha na mailhan sa mga katawhan ang lokal na produktong Surigaonon nga pwedegyud ipasigarbo sa ubang probinsya.

Ibandera sa maong kalihokan ang tanang lokal nga produkto sama sa panapton, agrikultura ug sa uban pang delikasiya sa Surigao.(PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Thursday, August 4, 2011

Butuan City LGU supports full disclosure policy

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, August 4 (PIA) ¬– The city government of Butuan has complied and adhered to the full disclosure policy of the national government, said City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr.

Speaking before the jam-packed 2,000 capacity Almont Hotel’s Convention Center during his recent State of the City Address (SOCA), Amante said in line with the full disclosure policy of the national government, the city government has been posting all financial transactions on the web and other media.

“Just recently, we established the Transparency Corner of our City Hall. I invite all of you to come and examine for yourself our existing Transparency Corner,” Amante said.

Mayor Amante further said a memorandum has also been issued to effect the “Full and Proper Implementation of RA No. 9184,” directing the conduct of Public bidding in all procurement transactions of the city government.

Just as the performance of the Balangay crew is crucial to the success of the voyage, Amante said the city government has set up a Performance Management System with two strategic thrusts.

The city’s top official added in line with the system, his administration has set up the Performance-Oriented Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation System. “Yes, like the business sector, our offices have formulated key result areas, or KRAs, with clearly defined indicators and targets. Progress in each office is keenly monitored every quarter,” Amante said.

Meanwhile, Mayor said and Executive Order has been issued for the reorganization and streamlining of the current organization towards a resource-efficient bureaucracy that is responsive to the growing needs of our constituents.

“We seriously intend to have a reinvented bureaucracy by 2012. Because of this, we plan to deploy some of our job order employees to the different barangays to assist in the implementation of the different programs of the city like the Solid Waste Management, Civil Registration, Grow a Million Tree, organic farming and many more,” Amante said.

It can be recalled that on June 8, 2011, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo spearheaded the “TAPATAN” activity in one of the local convention centers here to promote the Full Disclosure Policy of the national government. (PIA-Caraga)

Reservists trained to respond to calamities, disasters

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, August 4 (PIA) –The reserved force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are trained to respond to calamities and disasters, and especially during war, said BGen Charito B Plaza of the AFP Reserved Force in a phone-patch interview with PIA.

According to Plaza, AFP Reserved Force said reservists belong to the ready reserves category (18-35 years old) are the first to respond by conducting rescue and relief operations in times of disasters and calamities.

Plaza also said the ready reservists are the first to respond in times of wars, disasters and calamities considering their age. “They are more fit to conduct rescue and relief operations compared to the standby reserves (aged 36-55 years old) and the retiring reserves (aged 56 above),” Plaza said.

The Mindanao’s first woman General of the AFP also said all able-bodied citizens can become members of the citizens’ armed forces.

She said elected or appointed government officials can apply as commissioner. “They will be given positions in AFP according to the position they are handling in the government service,” Plaza said.

Senators, Supreme Court Justices, Court of Appeals, Cabinet Secretaries, Governors and Mayors of the highly urbanized cities have an equivalent to a Lt. Col. position.

Mayors of the component cities as well as in the municipalities have an equivalent position of a Major. City councilors, on the other hand will have the Capt. Position, while Barangay Captains will enjoy the 1st Lieutenant position and the Barangay Kagawads – 2nd Lieutenant.

Meanwhile, Plaza said College graduates or professionals in the technical fields like physicians, lawyers, dentists, and engineers will have the position of a Captain, and the Regional Directors as Majors.

During peace-time condition, BGen Plaza said all reservists will help in community and developmental projects. “Although they will not received salary but they are entitled to a free education and training to know military concerns,” Plaza added.

Plaza further said they are also entitled to free medical services from any military hospitals in
the country.

In case of death, immediate family of the reservists will receive burial assistance. They will also enjoy the services of vigil guards and a 21 gun salute during interment.

With these developments, Plaza enjoins the public to take part and join the AFP’s reserved force. (PIA-Caraga)

DAR Legal Assistance Division spearheads BARC training

by Myra Q. Yu

SURIGAO DEL SUR, August 4 -- DAR Surigao del Sur Legal Assistance Division spearheaded the Barangay Agrarian Reform Council (BARC) Training for Bayabas and Cagwait held recently at Cagwait Beach Resort, Cagwait Surigao del Sur, in collaboration with the Local Government of Cagwait through the efforts of Mayor Bonifacio G. Ondona.

Some 50 BARC officers participated in the orientation and training. Topics discussed included the History of Agrarian Reform in the Philippines; the salient provisions of R.A. 3844, R.A. 6657, and R.A. 9700; the role/functions of the BARC and conflict management vis-à-vis the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

Legal officers of DAR-Surigao del Sur Legal Services Division served as speakers and facilitators of the event.

The law on the existence of tenancy relationship invited utmost attention being the issue commonly encountered by agrarian courts. The grounds for ejectment and how a tenant may be ejected has been the emphasis of the discussion.

Salient provisions on R.A. 6657 comprise the qualifications, grounds for exclusion or disqualification, and the rights/obligations of a farmer-beneficiary. The afternoon session was devoted on the lecture about conflict management facilitated by Roselyn Y. Rendon, the Chief of the Legal Division.

Meanwhile, the open-forum provided an opportunity for the participants to share their experiences as BARC officers and their best practices worth replicating. They were given time to ask questions and to make clarifications on matters of agrarian law. Handouts were distributed so that the BARC officers may be equipped with reading materials in the exercise of their functions.

Notably, the BARC serves as the forerunner and the partner of the Municipal Agrarian Reform Office (MARO) in agrarian law implementation.

According to DAR Legal Officer Daryl Oso, the initiative is in consonance with the mandate of the Legal Division in strengthening the capability of the BARC in the delivery of agrarian justice. The organizers are hopeful that the training will aid the participants on agrarian dispute resolution in their respective barangays. (DAR-Surigao del Sur/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

P208-M Siargao infra projects up for validation and evaluation

by Michael Conte

SIARGAO ISLANDS, Surigao del Norte, August 4 -– The Constructors Performance Evaluation System (CPES) team of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to conduct validation and evaluation of contractors’ performance on the recently implemented P208 million infrastructure projects in Siargao Island this August.

In a radiophone message, DPWH-13 Regional Director Danilo E. Versola informed District Engineer Salvador E. Montil, Jr. of the arrival of the team and ordered to extend logistics support in the conduct of the evaluation activities.

Among the projects subject for assessment are the P4.6 M Pilar-San Roque road (Dayaohay section), P21.1 M Jct. Cancohoy-Pilar road (Caridad-Pilar section) Phase II, P22.8 Jct. Osmeña-Pilar road (Osmeña-Maasin-Mabini section) Phase II, P21 M Jct. Del Carmen-Sta. Monica-San Isidro road (San Benito-Santa Monica-Burgos section) Phase II, P19.3 M Improvement/Rehab along Santa Monica-Burgos-San Isidro road, P20 M Jct. Del Carmen-Sta. Monica-San Isidro road (San Benito-Santa Monica-Burgos section) Phase I, P15.8 M Jct. Osmeña-Pilar road (Osmeña-Maasin-Mabini section) Phase I, P9.6 Completion of the Channel of Osmeña-Dapa Flood Control, P16.6 Jct. Cancohoy-Pilar road (Caridad-Pilar section) Phase I, P16.6 M Jct. Cancohoy-Pilar road Km 0020+541545-K 0021+359, P24.4 M Jct. Del Carmen-Sta. Monica-San Isidro road K 0026+705-K0027+900 and the P16.3 M Jct. Osmeña-Pilar road Km 004+569-K 005+383.

The implementation of CPES is governed by Section 12, Annex E of the Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR) of Republic Act No. 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act). This law states that, all government procuring entities implementing infrastructure projects are mandated to evaluate the performance of constructors using the CPES. (DPWH 2nd Eng’g. District/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano News: 20 ka kabaw gi turn-over ngadto sa Brgy. Sukailang ug Brgy. Silop syudad sa Surigao

ni Annette Villaces

SURIGAO CITY, August 4 (PIA) --Malampuson nga gipahigayon kagahapong adlawa Agosto 3, 2011 ang Carabao Dispersal didto sa Brgy. Sukailang ug sa Brgy. Silop, Surigao City.

Ang pagpang apod-apod gipangulohan mismo ni Surigao City Mayor Ernesto T. Matugas, lakip usab ang representante sa buhatan sa Department of Agriculture Rural Field Unit 13 - Assistant Regional Director Eliseo Tila, MRDP Regional Program Coordinator, City Agriculturist Mr. Isaias Elumba, City Veterinarian Dr. Alan Quines, Sukailang Brgy. Captain Renato Cabajes, Silop Brgy. Captain Florencio M. Lacabra uban ang mga opisyales sa maong duha ka barangay.

Ang maong programa sa pagpang-apod-apod og mukabat sa 20 ka kabaw ngadto sa mga katawhan sa nasangpit nga mga baranggay tumong ug tinguha niini aron modaghan pa ug molambo ang pang-agrikultura nan syudad.

Atol sa maong kalihukan gibutyag ug gisaad ni Mayor Matugas nga dakuan pa niya ang budget sa agrikultura gikan sa kasamtangang budget nga 7million ngadto na sa 12million sa tuig 2012 aron ma-angkon gayud sa mga mag-uuma lakip usab sa mga mangingisda ang sakto nga suporta ug tabang para sa ilang panginabuhian ug iya usab gi-awhag ang mga katawhan nga nakadawat sa mga kabaw sa ilang kooperasyon nga ila kining paga-amumahon pag-ayo aron dili masayang tungod kay dako kini nga tabang dili lamang para sa syudad apan labi na usab nga kini makatabang sa pagpa eskuyla sa ilang mga anak.

Dugang pa ni Mayor Matugas nga iya karong gihatagan og mas igong prayoridad ang natad sa pang-agrikultura tungod kay mas daghan ang mga pama-agi nga makatabang sa mga Surigaonon pinaagi sa agrikultura.

Samtang mapasalamaton usab ang mga baranggayanon sa ilang nadawat nga kaayuhan ug tabang gikan sa programa nga gilusad sa syudad pina-agi na ni Mayor Matugas tungod kay dako gyud ang mahatag nga tabang sa ilang baranggay kining maong 20 ka kabaw aron mamahimong usa sa mga supplier sa karne ang ilang Baranggay sa mga umaabot nga panahon.(Surigao City Media Office/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Surigao Norte to hold Market Day anew

by Dandy Lapura

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, August 4 (PIA) -– After the success of the first Market Day on July 22, local producers and suppliers of the different municipalities of this province will converge anew on Friday, August 5, 2011 in Surigao City.

Bacuag Mayor Sheila Mae-Orquina Cebedo, president of the League of the Mayors of the Philippines (LMP) Surigao del Norte chapter is optimistic that more suppliers will attend the activity to sell their products, as Market Day has been promoted in the media.

Mayor Cebedo said the upcoming event, which was officially supported by the members of the LMP of Surigao del Norte Chapter seeks to introduce to people the local products that Surigaonons can surely be proud of.

The said event will showcase local products in textile, agriculture, foods and other Surigaonon delicacies. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Surigaonon News: Gob. Sol Matugas moatinder sa 13th Quarterly NEDA Conference ug League of Governors Meeting sa kaulohan

ni Jun Parada

SURIGAO CITY, August 4 –- Migikan si Gobernor Sol Matugas kagahapong adlawa aron mu-atinder sa ika 13th Quarter Conference nan National Economic Development Authority, Regional Development Committee Mindanao didto sa Dipolog City, karong adlawa Agosto 4, 2011.

Si Gobernor Sol Matugas morepresentar sa Caraga Region isip Regional Chair sa Regional Development Council kauban ang mga RDC Chair sa Region 9, 10, 11, 12 ug ARMM.

Samtang human sa Agosto 8 gikatakda na moatinder sa tigum sa League of Provincial Governors sa tibook Pilipinas didto sa kaulohan.

Sa mi-aging adlaw, isa ka adlaw nga mitambong si Gobernor Sol Matugas aron sa pagpaminaw sa 2011 Midyear Accomplishment Report sa mga department heads sa Provincial Government diin tinguha ni Gobernor Matugas na mahimong moangat ang lalawigan ngadto sa pagka first class province pinaagi na sa tabang sa mga sakop nan Sangguniang Panlalawigan ug mga Department Head, Local Government Unit ug ang Barangay apil na ang papalapad sa HEALS Program.

Karun adlawa si Bise Gobernador Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr. maoy magsilbing Officer In-charge sa opisina sa Governador ug sa lalawigan samtang magsilbing Officer In-charge isip Bise Governador si Senior Board Myrna Madelo Romarate.(Jun Parada-Provincial Information Center/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Surigaonon News: Pagpanumpa sa mga opisyales sa Capitol Ladies Organization gipahigayon

SURIGAO CITY, Agosto 4 –-Gipahigayon bag-ohay pa lamang ang pagpanumpa sa mga bag-ong napiling opisyales sa Capitol Ladies Organization sa Provincial Convention Center atubangan ni Governor Sol F. Matugas.

Migahin og oras ang gobernador sa maong kalihukan sa mga kababayenhan sa kapitolyo adeser milarga sa kauluhan aron maplastar ug ma organisa pag-ayo ang maong kapunungan, kaysa ingon niini mahatagan ug luna ug papel ang kontribusyon sa mga kababayenhan alang sa kalambuan sa kapitolyo paingon na sa mga kabarangayan.

Gusto sa Gobernador nga pagkatapos maorganisa ang Capitol Ladies, musunod pag organisa pag ayo ang municipal ladies ug barangay ladies kay dako kaayo ang mahitabang sa mga kababayenhan sa pagpalambo sa atong lalawigan.

Kung adunay WOW ang syudad aduna usab Capitol Ladies ang Kapitolyo ug kining maong kapunungan hatagan ug importansya ug suporta sa atong gobernador kay ang tumong ug tuyo sa maong kapunungan mao man ang pagtabang sa mga kababayenhan sa mga barangay ilabi na sa ilang panginabuhi ug ingon man usab sa programa sa Kalimpyo ug Kahusay.

Gipamahayag sa atong Gobernador nga aduna ipahigayon nga Continuing Education sa mga kababayenhan sa kapitolyo depende sa gusto o hilig kung unsay angay sa empleyado nga makat-onan sama na sa Catering for Business, Pagluto, Landscaping, Gardening ug uban pa, pinaagi sa kooperasyon sa Department of Trade and Industry ug sa Civil Service Commission.

Gidasig usab sa atong Gobernador ang mga kababayenhan sa kapitolyo sa pagbuhat ug community service ug pagsuporta ubos sa iyang programa nga HEALS ug kining maong performance usa ka plus factor ug mahimong basihan sa promosyon sa trabahao sa usa ka empleyado.(Provincial Information Center/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Butuan Mayor reports positive result of city’s fiscal mngt

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, August 3 (PIA) – City Mayor Ferdinand Amante recently said the city’s fiscal management gains positive result with the increase of tax collection and licensing fees.

In his report to the city on Monday, Amante said the city obtained the 50 percent tax collection target from January to June 30, 2011 base on this year’s target amounting to Php 400 million. “Our tax collection increased by Php 27 million compared to the same period last year,” Amante said.

Amante also reported that the city’s collection in the permits and licensing fees increased by 83%. The Real Property Tax also increased by 61% and the Business Tax is up by 60%.

Amante said basing on the reported figures, collections drastically increased by more than 50 percent. “This only shows the trust and confidence given by the Butuanons and for the smooth and effective tax collection system implemented to this administration,” the chief executive said.

Further, the mayor of the region’s capital center reported that an efficient, business-friendly system has been installed through the Business Permits and Licensing System which reduced the duration of processing permits from three weeks to less than 10 minutes.

He said the system has become a model for other LGUs and has boosted the confidence of the business sector in the system. “This resulted to an increase of 450 business permits and licenses more than last year,” Amante said.

However, Amante said his administration will not stop as he calls upon the city’s revenue officers to a revenue summit, “to diagnose well and recommend strategies to further increase revenues without unnecessarily increasing the taxes.” (PIA-Caraga)


City’s budget deficit drops drastically, Mayor Amante says

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, August 3 (PIA) – Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. said his administration successfully brought the city’s finances to a positive balance of P300,000 at the end of 2010, from the P23 million deficit incurred by the previous administration in 2009.

During Monday’s State of the City Address (SOCA), Amante said the city’s budget deficit drastically went down drastically by a huge amount of percentage.

This, according to Amante, is because of the efforts made by City Administrator Leah Mendoza, together with the Business Permits and Licensing Office, City Treasurer’s Office and City Assessor’s Office.

“Kaluoy sa Diyos, ang mga tseke karon sa City Government of Butuan dili na gyud manguntol. Up to date na usab kita sa pagbayad sa atong utility bills. No more bouncing checks, no more delayed payment of bills,” Amante added.

Mayor Amante also stressed the deficit that his administration inherited from the previous administration was partly brought by the jaw-dropping P123 million that was spent on procurement of goods and services from April to June 2010 alone.

Because of the strict compliance of the procurement law and the judicious spending, Amante said the city government only spent P35 million of goods and services this quarter as compared to P123 million in the same period last year.

“It is our procurement policy to buy the least-best price! Ang alcohol kaniadto nga tag P1,500, karon P62 pesos na lang. (The price of the alcohol before which is P1,500 per bottle, now it’s only P62),” he said.

To move further, Amante said his administration has developed a Public Finance Management Plan and conceptualized more revenue-generating strategies without increasing the cost of doing business. “All of these will be implemented within the last two quarters of this year,” Amante said.

Furthermore, the chief executive reported that the Bids and Awards Committee has sanitized the procurement and other transactions involving the city government, which led to the termination of contracts that did not go through the mandated processes.

Meanwhile, Amante said the city government under his leadership has fully implemented the Generics Act resulting to the substantial reduction of prices of medicines at the Butuan Medical Center. He added the price of the Cefuroxine now is only P57 compared before which is priced at P400.

“These are some of the reasons why our budget has drastically dropped,” Amante stressed. (PIA-Caraga)


2 wounded rebs in Trento raids brought for treatment in Surigao del Sur, PNP confirms

by Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, August 3 (PIA) - Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Director SSupt Julito Diray confirmed two (2) wounded rebels who took part in Trento Police Station raid in Agusan del Sur were brought to Bislig City District Hospital, in this province.

Diray said they were rushed here the morning after the incident on Saturday, July 30 at about 5:00 a.m.

Diray identified the suspected rebel-patients as Ricky Salde, male 28 years old, a resident of New Bataan, Trento and Sanny Calbayan, 35 years old, married, a resident of La Fortuna, Veruela, all in Agusan del Sur.

However, Diray clarified, the wounded rebels are now in the custody of the Provincial Officer of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Team (CIDT) of Agusan del Sur after they were immediately turned-over by Bislig City Chief of Police (COP) Supt. Ronelo Jaurigue three (3) hours later.

They were then brought to Patin-ay Provincial Hospital in Agusan del Sur for referral. (Radyo ng Bayan/PIA Surigao del Sur)


Surigao del Sur Gov. to fix state workers’ pay hike

by Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, August 3 (PIA) – Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel is in quandary on the pay hike to be given to capitol employees here amidst the projected cut in Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) next year.

Gov. Pimentel admitted his administration will not be able to give what is due for the third tranche under the salary standardization law.

At present, the provincial government needs P38M to cover up for said salary increase which will be started to implement on January 2012.

With this, Gov Pimentel further explained his administration can only give up to 50% pay hike because of the prevailing scenario that will affect the budget of local government units at all levels because of the Supreme Court’s decision favoring the decision to the 16 municipalities that were converted to cities, where Tandag City here is one of those cities.

However, Pimentel cited that DBM memorandum circular is giving the LGU a freehand in the implementation of the salary increase.

Meanwhile, Gov. Pimentel had recently announced that he will call a meeting with all the department heads while on Monday, August 8, he is set to attend a meeting with all the governors regarding this matter. (Radyo ng Bayan Tandag/PIA Surigao del Sur)


Lower House funded projects underway in Siargao Island

by Michael Conte

DAPA, Siargao Island, August 3 (PIA) - The Department of Public Works and Highways, in line with the government’s program to provide each Filipino with quality infrastructure facilities, will soon undertake various lower house funded barangay and municipal projects in Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands.

In a statement, Monitoring Engineer Demelyn M. Castrence said that “a total of 116 projects are on the list of to be implemented projects in different barangays and municipalities of Siargao Island costing around P20 million pesos.”

“Among the identified priority projects are several farm to market roads, repair/rehabilitation of multi-purpose buildings, water systems, and repair/rehabilitation of barangay roads,” Castrence added.

The funds of the projects are sourced from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of Surigao del Norte first district Representative Francisco T. Matugas. (DPWH 2nd Engineering District/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Tagalog News: Paaralang modelo ng kagalingan sa Agsur umabot na sa 22

by David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Agosto 3 (PIA) – Umabot na sa 22 ang mga tinaguriang modelo ng kagalingan na mga paaralan sa lalawigan ng Agusan del Sur habang anim pa ang ilulunsad hanggang sa katapusan ng buwan ng Agosto.

Noong Hulyo 6, inilunsad ni Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza ang dalawang na paaralan bilang modelo ng kagalingan sa mga bayan ng Veruela, ang Sinobong Elementary School at ang Sayon Elementary School sa bayan ng Sta. Josefa. Noong Huly 12, inilunsad din Gov. Plaza ang East Bayugan Central Elementary School sa lungsod ng Bayugan, at ng Hulyo 14, ang Esperanza Central Elementary School sa bayan ng Esperanza, at ang Bunawan West Central Elementary School sa bayan ng Bunawan. Ang katapusang modelong paaralan na inilunsad noong Hulyo ay ang Pasta Elementary School sa Barangay Pasta, bayan ng San Francisco.

Sa Buwang ito ng Agosto, itutuloy ni Gob. Plaza ang paglunsad ng Loreto Central Elementary School, Sagunto Elementary School sa Lapaz, Sta. Ines Elementary School sa San Luis, Labnig Elementary School sa Talacogon, Dona Rosario Elementary School sa Prosperidad, Wasian Elementary School sa Rosario, Villangit Elementary School sa Sibagat at ang Patin-ay Elementary School sa Prosperidad.

Ang pagkilala sa ibat-ibang paaralan sa Agusan del Sur na maging modelo ng kagaligan ay parte ng programang “Pagtoon Alang sa Masanag nga Kaugmaon program” ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Agusan del Sur sa pakipagtulungan ng Department of Education.

Ito ay may tatlong layunin. Una, ito ay naglalayon para paunlarin ang lahat ng paaralang elementary sa buong lalawigan ng Agusan del Sur para maging modelo ng kagalingan sa pamamagitan ng pagbigay ng mga libro para sa mga baryo. Ang mga librong ito ay galing sa America at lahat ng mga ginagastos para sa pagdala ng mga librong ito ditto sa lalawigan ay sagot ng pamahalaang panlalawigan at ng mga local na pamahalaan.

Pangalawa sa layuning ito ay ang pagtaas ng antas ng edukasyon ang nangunguna kung saan lahat ng paaralang elementary ay magkaroon ng library, computer laboratory atg speech laboratory.

Ito ay nagbigay halaga rin sa pagpaunlad ng kaalaman ng mga guro kung saan, sila ay pinapadala sa ibat-ibang pagsasanay para mapaunlad ang kanilang kaalaman sa pagtuturo sa mga makabagong pamamaraan.

“Ang paghanda ng kinabukasan ay parte lamang n gating pinakamithiin sa Pagtoon program. An gating hinahanda talaga rito ay ang ating mga kabataan para sila ang magiging malakas, may tiwala sa sarili at kakayahan. Walang pinaka mahalagang bagay na ating maibigaysa ating mga kabataan kundi ang magaling na klase ng edukasyon. Kaya tayo ay nagkaroon nitong programang Pagtoon,” Sabi ni Gob. Plaza

Maliban sa pagpataas ng antas ng sistema ng edukasyon sa Agusan del Sur, ang pamahalaang panlalawigan ay mayroon ding scholarship program. Sa katunayan, ang mga scholars ng lalawigan ay umabot sa 234 para sa unang semester ng taong 2011-2012. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Surigaonon News: Gov. Matugas pinasidunggang bisita atol sa joint induction, acquaintance program sa Taft Nat'l High School

SURIGAO CITY, August 3 (PIA) – Niadtong miaging adlaw, Agosto 1, 2011 gipahigayon ang Joint Induction and Acquaintance Program sa Taft National High School sa Surigao City Gym diin si Governor Sol F. Matugas ang pinasidunggang bisita.

Atol sa maong okasyon, gipahigayon ang Launching sa Project Best ug ang Induction of Officers sa maong Project Best o Barangay Education Strategic Team nga diin ang kapitan sa Brgy. Taft Hon. Pablo A. Bonono, Jr mao ang president.

Pagkatapos sa maong induction misunod dayon ang pagpirma sa memorandum of understanding sa mga opisyales ug ni Governor Sol F. Matugas.

Gipamulong sa atong Gobernador nga ang Project Best usa ka pamaagi nga mamonitor ang attendance sa mga kabataan aron malikayan ang drop outs, nga kinahanglan ang tanang estudyante matapos sa ilang pagtoon, kay importante gayod ang edukasyon sa paghaw-as sa kalisud sa atong dakbayan.

Gipamahayag usab sa atong Gobernador nga ang probinsya mihatag ug 1 milyon pesos alang na sa pagtukod ug Women’s Center dinhi sa atong syudad ug kini gidungagan usab ug 1 milyon pesos sa atong City Mayor Ernesto Matugas.

Malipayon ug mapasalamaton gayod ang mga magtutudlo sa pagsanong sa ilang imbitasyon sa Gobernador ug sila misaad sa pagsuporta sa tanang mga programa sa atong probinsya pinanguluhan ni Governor Sol F. Matugas. (Provincial Information Center/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Surigaonon News: Gob. Sol Matugas moatinder sa 13th Quarterly NEDA Conference ug League of Governors Meeting sa kaulohan

ni Jun Parada

SURIGAO CITY, August 3 – Mugikan si Gobernor Sol Matugas karong adlawa aron mu-atinder sa ika 13th Quarter Conference nan National Economic Development Authority, Regional Development Committee Mindanao didto sa Dipolog City, ugmang adlawa Agosto 4, 2011. Si Gobernor Sol Matugas morepresentar sa Caraga Region isip Regional Chair sa Regional Development Council kauban ang mga RDC Chair sa Region 9, 10, 11, 12 ug ARMM.

Samtang human sa Agosto 8 gikatakda na moatinder sa tigum sa League of Provincial Governors sa tibook Pilipinas didto sa kaulohan.

Kagahapong adlawa isa ka adlaw nga mitambong si Gobernor Sol Matugas aron sa pagpaminaw sa 2011 Midyear Accomplishment Report sa mga department heads sa Provincial Government diin tinguha ni Gobernor Matugas na mahimong moangat ang lalawigan ngadto sa pagka first class province pinaagi na sa tabang sa mga sakop nan Sangguniang Panlalawigan ug mga Department Head, Local Government Unit ug ang Barangay apil na ang papalapad sa HEALS Program.

Karun adlawa si Bise Gobernador Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr. maoy magsilbing Officer In-charge sa opisina sa Governador ug sa lalawigan samtang magsilbing Officer In-charge isip Bise Governador si Senior Board Myrna Madelo Romarate. (Provincial Information Center/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Butuan mayor delivers SOCA; compares his governance to the journey of the Balangay boat

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, August 2 (PIA) – City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. on Monday delivered his second State of the City Address (SOCA) before a jam-packed crowd at the Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, this city.

Speaking before a crowd estimate of 2,000 coming from different sectors of society, the city’s chief executive gave importance on the value of sailing towards a common direction.

“We can conquer the rough seas and reach our intended destination if we are all determined, united, self-sacrificing, courageous and methodical,” Amante said comparing his administration’s destination to the journey of the Balangay boat.

Mayor Amante further said he has chosen the Balangay as the symbol of his governance, the same Balangay which has now become the nation’s vessel for change, connecting the Philippine Archipelago, in its vast maritime superhighway for progress and prosperity as far as the waters of Vietnam.

The city’s chief executive also pointed out that like the voyage of the Balangay, “we will be sailing through rough seas ahead, and it is expected that political indifference, personal conflicts, man’s innate resistance to change, corruption and the evils that men do, will continue in a while.”

Furthermore, the official assured the Butuanons that the state of his governance is very strong and continues to make it much stronger as the journey of his administration goes along.

“Just as the captain of the ship has to ensure that the boat is in top condition, that the crewmen are well-prepared for their tasks and the destinations are clearly charted out, I made many methodical steps in my governance,” Amante said.

The second report to the city or SOCA of Mayor Amante is held a day before the celebration of the 61st charter day celebration of this city which is celebrated today, August 2 and was proclaimed special non-working holiday by Malacañang Palace by virtue of Proclamation No. 197, signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr., by the authority of President Benigno S. Aquino III on July 4, 2011. (PIA-Caraga)


Butuan mayor underscores creation of 4 governance clusters in his report to the city

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, August 2 (PIA) – “To ensure of an orderly and smooth system of implementation, we issued Executive Order creating the four governance clusters composed of Development Administration Cluster, Economic Cluster, Social Services Cluster, and Infrastructure Cluster,” said Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. as he underscored the creation of the clusters during his State of the City Address (SOCA) on Monday in one of the local convention centers here.

According to Amante, the aim of establishing these clusters is to ensure sound fiscal management, transparent and accurate gover-nance, and effective performance management, in support to the mandate of President Benigno S. Aquino III towards a straight and narrow path (tungo sa daang matuwid).

In terms of Development Administration Cluster, Amante said is he has been populist and imprudent, he could have fallen prey to do quick fixing, build concrete roads and buildings left and right, and then eventually succumb to repeating the same grave and scandalous mistakes of the past.

“Gipalabi nako nga bisan dugay ug hinay gamay ang atong pag-uswag, apan sigurado ug klaro nga dili madehado ang publiko” (It is my concern that although development and progress we are experiencing right now is not that fast, but I make sure that everything will be put in place, clear, and above all, for the interest of the public), Amante said.

Amante further said, as mandated by the Aquino administration, the city government adheres to implement accurate system for a transparent and reputable governance that is beneficial and visible to all.

With this, Amante calls the people of Butuan to sail with him together with his officials for a more progressive and transparent governance, coupled with moral standards and integrity. (PIA-Caraga)


Phil. Army’s 36IB celebrates 37th Anniversary

Tandag City, August 2 (PIA) – The 36th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army in Surigao del Sur headed by LTC Joseph Norwin Pasamonte culminated its 37th founding anniversary celebration on Monday August 1.

Highlighting the affair is the presentation of awards to the respective military and civilian authorities through an anniversary program held at the Battalion headquarters in Barangay Dayoan, Tago, this province.

Governor Johnny Pimentel and Red Cross Provincial Chapter administrator Abel de Guzman were invited to deliver their respective messages while ary 401st Brigade Commander Col. Romeo Gan was guest of Honor and speaker.

Feeding program, fun run, tree growing, lectures and Demonstration on Hygiene and sanitation along with coastal clean-up and sportsfest also marked the weeklong activity since the occasion started on July 26. (Greg Tataro, Jr., Radyo ng Bayan Tandag/PIA Surigao del Sur)


BCPO conducts Sportsfest 2011

by PSupt Joseph B Boquiren

BUTUAN CITY, August 2 – Clad in their individual team color sports attire, members of Butuan City Police Office gathered together recently at the opening of the sports festival at the basketball quadrangle inside BCPO compound.

Dubbed as BCPO SPORTSFEST 2011 with this year’s theme: “Quality Police Service Springs from A Quality Lifestyle,” the event marks the opening of the two months-long sports competition (28 Jul to 28 September) in commemoration of the annual fiesta celebration of Butuan City Police Office in honor of its Patron, St. Michael Archangel.

Ten teams from different offices and line units of Butuan City Police Office will compete for the different games scheduled for this season that includes basketball, volleyball, darts, chess, badminton, table tennis, and others. Winning teams and individuals will receive prizes in terms of cash and trophies.

Barely six months into his stint as City Director of Butuan City Police Office, Police Senior Superintendent Jose V. Carillo has embarked on complete package of development programs involving personal, professional, and spiritual.

On personal aspect, Carillo had been advocating physical fitness activities to ensure the police are ever ready and able to respond to any police assistance. Carillo himself is a running enthusiast and always encourages his men to engage themselves in physical fitness and sports activities. Thus, with the help of some of his staff, they organize this BCPO Sportsfest 2011.

During the opening ceremony last July 28, 2011, he emphasized the importance of this sports program. He said, “I expect no less than friendly games in all the events and I am looking forward to developing the camaraderie and the spirit of sportsmanship among the BCPO personnel for our children and the youths to emulate.” (BCPO/PIA-Caraga)


DAR-Surigao del Sur conducts CARP advocacy to college students

by Myra Q. Yu

TANDAG CITY, August 2 (PIA) – The provincial office of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) here conducted advocacy to college students on the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Benjamin Mataksil of DAR Surigao del Sur discussed features of CARP including its history and the present implementation to students in Surigao del Sur University (SDSU) recently.

About 1,200 participants attended the forum, conducted as part of the educational program of the university particularly to those students who are currently enrolled in National Service Training Program (NSTP) with component on Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS).

According to Dr. Baceledes Estal, SDSU Vice President for Administration and Finance, students must not only be aware of the usual subjects incorporated in their respective courses but also be able to know important information outside the real world especially the programs implemented by the different agencies.

Dr. Estal also recommended that topics on CARP must be included in the midterm examination of the university to see to it that students grasped the knowledge and information on this program.

The forum also served as a venue for DAR to be able to disseminate their thrusts and programs as embodied in the CARPER Law.

Representatives from the provincial offices of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Department of Tourism (DOT), as well as the Provincial Health Office were also present during the forum. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Feature: Lady COP: No difference between male and female even in war

by David M. Suyao

On the first burst of gunfire. I was already on my feet even when I only got an hour of sleep as I lay down to bed around 3:00 in the morning of July 30, working with my men for the inquest of a detainee we have apprehended earlier that night.

I know something is wrong hearing gunfires in a very close distance. I picked up my baby girl, secured her under the bed from the crib, picked up my M16 rifle and cal. .40 service pistol, and position myself for battle. Continues gunfire followed, and as I peep outside, I saw my police companions positioned in piles of old tires surrounding our station, firing against the perpetrators. I looked the other direction, and saw other policemen securing themselves in barricades we made, fighting their best to defend our position. I knew then that we were surrounded by the enemies as I observed the incoming rapid firing from them.

I fired my rifle to any visible position of the enemy, while our augmentation forces from Police Public Safety Company (PPSC) under the command of P/Insp. Alvin Bolotano and P/Insp. Roland Orcullo who were at that time in full battle gear ready to conduct early morning checkpoint, also position themselves, firing against the enemies. I know many of the enemies were hit, as their firing became minimal while gaining distance as they slowly withdraw.”

This is the opening statement of P/Insp. Charity Galvez, chief of police of Trento Police Station, Trento, Agusan del Sur, after her face-to-face encounter with the Communist Party of the Philippines/ New People’s Army/ National Democratic Front (CNN) on July 30, 2010, that lasted for about an hour.

P/Insp. Galvez said, they scour the area an hour later finding plenty of blood scattered on the grasses and soil where the enemies positioned. They even found particles of scattered human brain on leaves of grasses, while footprints of the enemies are all around.

According to P/Insp. Galvez, it was around 5:00 in the morning when the first burst of fire from the enemies was poured upon them at the gate of the station and the municipal hall, 30 minutes after her organic men returned from Bunawan town where they e-mailed the documents they prepared for the inquest of a detainee apprehended earlier that evening.

“There is no formal report I received that the CNN will attack Trento. The truth is, on July 28, the group director of the PSCC visited us here in Trento for a routine check-up of personnel. I requested for additional personnel and he promised me to send two teams of PPSC after he consulted our Provincial Director, P/SSupt. Jerome Baxinela.

The following day, July 29, the first team under P/Insp. Roland Orcullo arrived, in time when a shooting incident earlier that day happened in Barangay Sta. Maria. So I requested P/Insp. Orcullo to proceed to the area and conduct clearing and investigation. The team apprehended the killer suspect, and disarmed him with his .38 Cal. revolver and a knife. When I interviewed the suspect, his answers were unstable, and as my inquiries about his personality from people he mentioned goes along, I learned he that he is a member of the sparrow unit of the NPA, so he we detained him and we prepared the inquest papers for his transfer.

We finished the inquest documents around 12:00 midnight, but since our e-mail connection is out of order, my men proceeded to Bunawan to e-mail the documents. The two PPSC augmentation teams who also conducted checkpoints to stop criminality in the whole municipality also arrived around 1:30 in the morning, take some sleep and wake up again at 4:30 in the morning, (in time when my men who went to Bunawan to e-mail the inquest documents arrived) prepared themselves in full battle gear ready to conduct early morning checkpoints. Then the CNN attack happened. That is why, I believe we are really blessed that day,” P/Insp. Galvez said.

P/Insp. Galvez was first assigned as Children and Women’s Desk Officer at the Provincial Police Office in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. As member of the technical working group of the Country Program for Children, P/Insp. Galvez have contributed much in the reduction of violence against women and children thru her efforts in educating the parents, barangay officials and other government officials on the rights of children and women.

Being a dedicated policewoman, P/Insp. Galvez rose from the rank, until she became chief of police in the municipality of Trento, where she fought her best to defend their post. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Cebuano News: Aquino mimando sa militar pakusgan ang operasyon batok Abu Sayyaf

ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, August 2 (PIA) – Si Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III mimando sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sa pagpakusog sa ilang operasyon ug gamiton ang tanang paagi batok Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) sunod sa pagkamatay sa pito ka mga Marine soldiers human sa engkwentro tali sa grupong terorismo sa Sulu, bag-ohay pa lamang. Si Aquino mi-isyu sa maong direktiba human siya nakigkita sa mga top military officials didto sa Villamor Airbase sa Pasay City niadtong adlawng Sabado Hulyo 30, 2011.

“Ibubuhos natin ang lahat ng resources ng estado. Hindi puwedeng ipakita na itong terrorist group na ito ay kakayanin ang buong estado. Kaya inatasan at hinamon natin ang Sandatahang Lakas na i-concentrate ang kanilang resources hanggang mahuli itong mga salarin na ito,” si Aquino miingon sa ambus interview didto sa Villamor Airbase sa Pasay City.

Si Aquino miingon pagbugtaw sa ASG maoy pinaka target sa gobyerno pinaagi sa hiniusang panlimbasog sa mga law enforcement egencies.

Siya namahayag nga usa ka maayong koordinasyon ug komprehensibo nga estratehiya uban ang suporta sa mga katawhan ug mga ahensya sa gobyerno sa tanang lebel ang i-implementar aron wagtangon ang terorismo.Ang Pangulo uban kang Vice President Binay ug mga opisyales sa militar maoy nangulo sa heroes welcome sa mga biktimang sundalo pag-abot sa ilang patay’ng lawas didto sa Vilamor airbase.

Ang mga namatay’ng sundalo nailhan nga sila 2nd Lietenant Michael Balabad, Sergeant Desiderio Serdan Jr., Corporal Ramsel Laynesa, Cpl. Claro Lapasaran III, Cpl. Freddie Castellano Jr., Private First Class Juanito Evasco Jr. ug Private Nico Tinambunan.

Si Aquino ug Binay personal nga miabot sa ilang simpatiya ug pahasubo sa mga pamilya sa mga namatay’ng sundalo ug namati sa ilang mga uban pang kabalaka.

Human sa seremonya, si Aquino nangulo sa usa ka meting uban ang mga opisyales sa AFP nga milungtad og hapit duha ka oras.

“May ongoing na investigation, titingnan natin kung meron bang kailangang baguhin sa ating mga proseso, meron bang kulang sa pagsasanay ng ating tropa, meron bang intelligence failure,” si Aquino miingon.

Si Aquino miingon nga sila nagpaabot sa resulta sa imbestigasyon sa engkwentro sa Sulu aron masuta ang problema ug makahimo og mga konkretong solusyon.

Sa dihang gipanguta kung magpadayon ba gihapon ang operasyon bisan kon hapit na ang selebrasyon sa Ramadan, ang Pangulo miingon “We will be sensitive to the concerns of our Muslim brothers but at the same time there are police operations still going on,” ang Pangulo miingon.

Si Aquino usab midayeg sa kaisog sa mga namatay’ng sundalo ingon nga sila “did what they had promised to do and in terms of bravery—the highest talaga na example na puwede nating makita. Tinupad nila iyong kanilang mga sinumpaang tungkulin dito.”

Si Aquino miingon nga ang mga pamilya sa mga namatay’ng sundalo makadawat usab og mga benipisyo gikan sa President’s Social Fund. “Iyong ating benefits accruing to people who got killed or wounded in action will be given.” Siya miingon.

Sa pamahayag, si Marine Commandant Major General Rustico Guerero mirekomendar sa promosyon sa mga namatay nga Marines.

Usa ka Gold Cross Medal (posthumous) usa ang gireko-mendar nga ihatag kanila sa tungod sa ilang kaisog sa aksyon. Pinansyal assistance ug scholarships ug lakip na usab ang housing privileges ang gi-proseso karon alang sa mga dependents sa mga namatay’ng sundalo. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Surigaonon News: Wikang Filipino gihatagan og importansya atol sa monday morning sharing sa kapitolyo ug uban pang mga kalamboan

SURIGAO CITY, August 2 – Sa gipahigayon nga Monday Morning Sharing sa Kapitolyo kagahapon nga adlaw Agosto 1, 2011 sa Provincial Convention Center nga gipanguluhan sa opisina sa Provincial Treasurer ni Mrs. Daisy Hubilla ang head sa maong opisina, gihatagan og importansya ang Wikang Filipino isip pagsaulog sa Buwan ng Wika sa temang “Ang Filipino ay Wikang Panlahat, Ilaw at Lakas sa Tuwid na Landas,” kini gipamulong ni Dr. Rebecca Yu Casten, ang pinasidunggang mamumulong.

Atol sa maong higayon, namulong usab si Governor Sol F. Matugas mahitungod sa iyang mga lakaw aron mapalambo ang atong probinsya. Usa na niini ang apil sa meeting sa MINDA o Mindanao Development Authority sa Davao nga diin gihisgutan didto ang kaimportansya sa enerhiya, tubig ug uban pang nga basic needs.

Gipamulong usab sa atong Gobernador ang pagbaton ug positibong gawi o positive attitude isip giya sa sakto ug malamboon nga pagtrabaho. Ug sa bulan sa Agosto nakahan ay na ang mga buluhaton aron mahapsay ang pagpadagan sa Kapitolyo. Sama sa Barangay Development Forum, Free Annual Check up sa mga empleyado sa Kapitolyo ug pagbutang ug ambulansya sa kapitolyo.

Gusto usab sa Gobernador nga matukod na ang Capitol Canteen pinaagi sa opisina sa Cooperative, ang Capitol Lobby diin usa kini ka first stop sa mga kliente, ug edeklara ang Kapitolyo nga Anti smoking zone, nga adunay luna sa pagpanigarilyo.

Gihisgutan usab sa atong Gobernador ang pagbukas sa Child Minding Center, ang pagtukod ug bag-o nga CSU building, mandatory attendance sa mga empleyado sa pag apil sa flag raising, mandatory kalimpyo kahusay sa kapitolyo, First Friday Mass adto na ipahigayon sa kapilya sa kapitolyo, arts and culture day c/o ni Sir Amor Morales aron mapakita ang mga talent sa mga empleyado ug ang Community Service nga diin kada departamento adunay e adopt nga poorest barangay.

Ang mga kabag-ohan ug mga programa nga gimugna sa atong Gobernador usa lamang ka nagpamatood nga ang tawo labaw sa tanan ug kini magmalapuson kung ang tanan magtinabangay alang sa kaayuhan ug kalambuan sa tanan. (Provincial Information Center/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Dispatch - Monday, August 1, 2011

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, Malacañan 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)