EMB conducts planning workshop to adopt rivers,
creeks in Caraga
By Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, May 19 (PIA) -- To instill
awareness among public on the importance of cleaning the rivers and creeks in
Caraga Region, the Environmental and Management Bureau (EMB) conducted recently
a two-day strategic workshop planning on adopting rivers and creeks in the region.
According to For. Jay Managat, EMB-Caraga
technical staff, the activity is aimed at informing the establishments how to
mobilize the communities living along the riverbanks and creeks to clean their
surroundings.
Managat also said local residents in the area
are also taught on how to get water samples for the water analysis that is
regularly conducted by EMB. Through this, people will know if said water
systems are safe from bacteria or even risks that come from mining companies
and other establishments.
“Ang katuyuan sa maong kalihukan mao ang
paghatag og kahibalo sa mga establismento nga naga-operate duol sa maong mga
water systems dinhi sa rehiyon. Gitudluan usab ang pipila sa mga residente kung
usaon pagkuha sa water samples aron i-analisa sa EMB ug mahibalo-an kung ang
maong tubig contaminado sa mga kemikal nga naghatag risgo sa panglawas sa
katawhan sa komunidad, atong hatagan og tukmang legal nga aksyon ang maong mga
establismento (The activity is aimed to give knowledge to the said establishments
operating near the water system here in the region. Some local residents are
also taught how to get water samples for EMB’s analysis, and if found that
water is contaminated with chemicals that may risk the health of the people in
the community, we will give appropriate legal action against these
establishments)," Managat said.
The activity is participated by personnel of all
gasoline stations, palm oil plantations from Agusan del Sur, and mining firms
from Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur. (RER/PIA-Caraga)
.
DAR-Caraga spearheads Tulay ng Pangulo para sa
Agraryong Kaunlaran program
By Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, May 19 (PIA) -- To ensure fast
mobilization of farm products in the region, the Department of Agrarian Reform
(DAR)-Caraga will spearhead the implementation of “Tulay ng Pangulo para sa
Agraryong Kaunlaran” program.
DAR-Caraga Regional Director Faisar Mambuay said
all provinces and key cities in the region are required to have bridges so that
mobilization of products to and from the area will be made easy and fast.
The official stressed if products will be
mobilized faster then economic development in the region will also surge high.
Because of this, the Dir. Mambuay said all
congressmen in the provinces of the region will endorse two specific areas in
their province to DAR. He added the DAR will study the endorsement and assess
if the proposal is feasible for the construction of the said infrastructure or
not.
To date, the official said they have already
received proposals from some congressmen and is now on the process of
evaluation in coordination with the regional office of the Department of Public
Works and Highways.
Dir. Mambuay explained further that the
construction of these bridges must also serve the beneficiaries of the
Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension for Reform (CARPER).
The project involves the construction, installation,
and establishment of “universal bridges” (unibridges) in priority Agrarian
Reform Communities (ARCs) and CARP covered areas. It will utilize permanent
fabricated modular steel technology, which will be imported from France.
The project aims to promote rural development by
linking the ARCs in the economic mainstream and open up development potentials
in order to increase productivity and income. (RER/PIA-Caraga)
.
Butuan police on full alert for Balangay
Festival
By Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, May 19 (PIA) -- PSSupt. Pedro
Obaldo, Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) Director said the local police is on
full alert as the city is celebrating its Balangay Festival today.
According to Supt. Obaldo, with the celebration
today of the festival, more people are expected to witness the activities
prepared by the city government thus police officers are directed to be alert
to ensure a peaceful and orderly celebration.
The official added the installation of police
boxes within the vicinity of the city is one of the measures implemented by
BCPO to uphold peace and security not only during the celebration today but
also during regular days.
City Dir. Obaldo further said the region’s
Philippine National Police (PNP) has augmented police officers and were
deployed today in the city to help in maintaining peace and security.
This morning, a floral parade will be conducted
right after the concelebrated mass to be officiated by Butuan Bishop Juan de
Dios Pueblos. Highlighting the parade is the float competition participated by
national government agencies based here in the city.
After the parade the Balangay Theater
Presentation will highlight the festival with artists from the different
government agencies re-enact the coming of Balangay in the city, dubbed “The
Ancient Kingom of Butuan”.
The Balangay Theater competition will be staged
at the city sports complex in Barangay Libertad, some ten kilometers away from
the city proper.
Meanwhile, Joanna Patricia Ong’s wish to wear
the crown of Mutya Hong Butuan was realized when the 16 year-old Mass
Communication student of Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) was declared
the fairest by members of the board of judges during Thursday’s beauty pageant
held at FSUU Gymnasium.
Model turned actor Daniel Matsunaga graced the
affair who serenaded the candidates during their evening gown stint.
In a related development, Pres. Benigno S.
Aquino III declared non-working day today here in the city to give time to
Butuanons to celebrate the Balangay Festival. The President also declared
August 2 here as non-working holiday in time with the celebration of Adlaw Hong
Butuan, the city’s charter day. (RER/PIA-Caraga)