Agusan del Norte institutionalizes welfare
program for children
By Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, June 21 (PIA) -- The provincial
government of Agusan del Norte has institutionalized the welfare programs for
children as local officials acknowledged that the youth are the hope of the
country.
This is what Governor Erlpe John Amante pointed
out in his State of the Province Address in the 6th special session of the
Sangguniang Panlalawigan held recently at the provincial capitol covered court
here.
The chief executive of the province emphasized
that in order to ensure that children are attended well, the province
strengthened the local council for the protection of children in the
municipalities.
“We continued to implement our yearly commitment
of providing workbooks to all children enrolled in the daycare service program.
Last year, workbooks worth P1.5 million were given to these children numbering
9,382 all across the province,” Amante said.
Amante further said the provincial government
did not just provide food for the brain but also embarked on endeavors aimed at
molding children into physically healthy citizens.
He explained that the “Operation Timbang
(Operation Weighing)” activities were conducted all over the province, serving
a total of 44,920 preschoolers.
Amante added the food assistance programs
through supplementary feeding activities were also implemented in coordination
with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the province’s 10
municipalities and one city, resulting to the decrease of the rate of
malnutrition in the province from 13.32 percent in 2009, 12.19 percent in 2010,
to 10.18 percent in 2011.
Because of these efforts and based on the
regional nutrition evaluation result, Amante said the province was deemed first
place in the implementation of the nutrition program in Caraga for 2011.
Meanwhile, Amante bared that for those who might
have had a wayward life, the province has a place where they can be
rehabilitated, with the end view of guiding them back to a productive life.
This is through the construction of a youth center or Bahay Pag-asa to house
children in conflict with the law.
“This is how we institutionalized the children’s
welfare program of the provincial government,” Amante said. (RER/PIA-Caraga)
Kaliguan Festival 2012 kicks-off today
By Nida Grace B. Tranquilan
SURIGAO DEL SUR, June 21 (PIA) -- The staging of
this year's “16th Kaliguan Festival” kicked-off this morning in the
municipality of Cagwait, 34.5 kilometers south of Tandag City, the province's
capital city.
The festival is a yearly activity in honor of
St. John the Baptist, every 24th day of June, highlighted by the Search for
"Perlas ng Kaliguan" Beauty Pageant held at Cagwait Beach.
Community Development Information Officer Rogen
Tabugoc revealed that part of today’s opening ceremonial program are the
groundbreaking ceremonies for the creation of the DOH Training Center and the
Balai Mindanao project with former Senator Ernesto Maceda as guest.
Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and
Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) projects like the
drainage canals in four barangays, seawall in Brgy. Unidad, and a water system
in Brgy. Laktudan, all in the municipality of Cagwait were also turned-over
this morning.
As scheduled, today’s events include Pinoy
games, cockfight, and sand art competition, followed by “Perlas ng Kaliguan”
Swimsuit competition and talent showdown of the candidates. (PIA-Surigao del
Sur)
Caraga RDRRMC to conduct earthquake, fire drills
By Danilo S. Makiling
BUTUAN CITY, June 22 (PIA) -- The Caraga
Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) is set to
conduct the 2nd quarter nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill on June 29 at
Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU), this city.
Pursuant to Republic Act 10121, otherwise known
as an act strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
System of 2010, RDRRMC will conduct earthquake and fire drills to heighten
public awareness and improve community preparedness and mitigation.
According to Dr. Blanche T. Gobenciong, Office
of Civil Defense-Caraga Regional Director and RDRRMC Caraga chairperson, the
conduct of this activity is a key strategy in reducing disaster risk in times
of disaster especially in the schools and workplace.
The activity will be attended by the RDRRMC
Technical Working Group Members from the different government agencies in
Butuan City, where they are tasked to evaluate the performance of the drill
participants.
Results of the evaluation will serve as basis to
correct and give pertinent information to the participants on the proper way to
implement drill steps in times of calamities and disasters. (RER/PIA-Caraga)
PDEA, PNP intensify anti drug operation
By David M. Suyao
AGUSAN DEL SUR, June 22 (PIA) -- The Philippine
Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have
intensified their operation against drug trafficking and abuse while
participating and conducting activities believed to reduce the demand of drugs
by students and other illegal drug users.
In a report by the PDEA regional director Joel
Plaza to the members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council on June 14 Plaza
said they have conducted one operation per month since March until the end of
May this year, and have apprehended six suspects and confiscated more or less
10 grams of Methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu” and 360 grams of
marijuana. In the same report, the PNP had also conducted five operations from
January to May this year, arrested seven persons, and filed cases in court.
“On March 21, 2012, we conducted a buy-bust
operation in Taglatawan, Bayugan City and confiscated more than eight grams of
shabu and arrested an old woman (name withheld). Again, on April 30, through an
arrest warrant, we arrested one person (name withheld), and confiscated three
sachet of shabu and 360 grams of marijuana leaves, and the latest was on May
16, also in Taglatawan, Bayugan City through a buy-bust operation and arrested
five men, and confiscated 0.8672 grams of shabu. For the arrested, cases are
already filed in court,” Plaza said.
According to Plaza, PDEA also joined the
Philippine Army and the civil society during the army’s outreach program and
the Brigada Eskwela. Last May 4, 5, and 6 when the 401st Civil Military
Operations Battalion conducted a youth leadership seminar in Bayugan City, PDEA
lectured on the ill-effects of illegal drugs. On May 21-23 when the local
government of Veruela, spearheaded by the municipal health office, conducted
the Sangguniang Kabataan Health Congress, PDEA also lectured the same, and
during the Brigada Eskwela activities in Trento, PDEA also participated and
lectured on the ill-effects of illegal drugs. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Mining company empowers community thru training
By Gervacio Dauz, Jr.
MRL Gold Philippines, Inc. has provided training
and helped people find jobs since it began operations in 2006, said Ms. Jesalyn
A. Guingguing, Environmental Manager and OIC for Community Relations.
The company has organized training on solid
waste management, coastal resource management, marketing, among others. Among
the sectors that attended these were indigenous people, farmers, fisher folks,
women, youth and children. The said trainings were conducted in partnership
local government units, academe, and national government agencies.
As of 2012, at least 679 stakeholders have
graduated from these trainings.
Of the total, at least 55 were employed by the
company, 15 were employed in other establishments, 115 became entrepreneurs,
and 6 took higher education courses with MRL support.
Among the beneficiaries were:
Bernie S. Nanoy, 29, and president of the
DOLE-registered Coro Mamanwa Community Organization – said that with the help
of MRL and the LGU, his group was able to secure a settlement area. They also
availed of livelihood trainings and exposures, and started entrepreneurial
activities like selling bags and slippers with the use of hyacinth and other
indigenous materials, plus fishing and agricultural pursuits for a living.
Ms. Ailyn B. Lasutan of Jabonga, Agusan del
Norte, was one of those who graduated in MRL’s Mobile Computer Literacy Program
(MCLP). Shortly after graduation, she was absorbed by MRL as Assistant Trainer
for MCLP. Ms. Zaiton N. Sumpo, Lead Trainer of MCLP, revealed that Ms. Lasutan
was hired because she is diligent and a fast learner.
Mr. Avelino A. Buyo – another Assistant Trainer,
26 years of age, of pure Mamanwa descent, and who is on regency status as a
seminary graduate – is not a product of MRL’s development intervention. But
because of his capability and credentials, plus the fact that he is a native in
the community, he was absorbed by MRL to help in mentoring trainees under the
MCLP. (NCLM/TESDA-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Caraga)
Vice-mayors summit to push for environment laws
By Noel B. Najarro
BUTUAN CITY, June 22 (PIA) – A meeting among
vice-mayors in Mindanao country is being held here to achieve unity on stand on
legislation that will protect the environment and promote ecological tourism.
“The very focus of this congress is to come up
with a unified stand on the part of the vice-mayors in terms of pushing for
important legislations in their (respective) localities to ensure protection of
the environment and the promotion of ecotourism,” Butuan City Vice Mayor
Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun said.
The 3rd Mindanao Island Congress of the
Vice-Mayors’ League of the Philippines (VLMP) is being held here from June 20
to 22. s to ensure environmental protection and the promotion of ecotourism.
According to Domagoso, held also congruently
with the congress is the VMLP National Executive Board 2nd Quarterly Meeting.
”We (in the league) adapt to the domestic
tourism approach of the national government, and secondly, we are trying to
equip in our own little way our vice mayors to preside properly and be
well-versed of the parliamentary procedures,” said VLMP national chairman
Francisco Domagoso (popularly known as “Isko Moreno”).
According to Sen. Antonio F. Trillanes IV, the
theme of the congress which is ”Protect the Natural Environment, Preserve
Nature’s Wonders, Promote Ecotourism” is timely in the light of what happened
in Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan during the “Sendong” incident and what is
happening right now in some parts of our country.
“May the incidents be an eye-opener for all of
us that negligence and abuse of our environment and our natural resources may
cost lives and cause untold devastation,” he said. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)
Tagalog news: 21st Mindanao Business Conference
gaganapin sa Butuan
Ni Danilo S. Makiling
BUTUAN CITY, Hunyo 22 (PIA) -- Ang lokal na
pamahalaan ng Butuan sa pangunguna ni Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. at ang Butuan
Chamber of Commerce ay naghahanda para sa gaganaping 21st Mindanao Business
Conference ngayong Agosto 2-4 sa Almont Hotels’ Inland Resort.
Ang aktibidad ay may temang “Invest Mindanao:
Towards a More Inclusive, Progressive and Greener Future.”
Ang nasabing aktibidad ay kasabay sa pagdiriwang
ng Adlaw Hong Butuan (Butuan Charter Day) sa Agosto 2, kung saan ang
selebrasyong ito ay nauukol sa pagiging siyudad ng Butuan pati na ang paggunita
sa mga kontribusyon ng mga opisyal ng dating munisipyo ng Butuan, at mga
mamamayan sa pagsisikap na maging syudad ang Butuan. Itinatampok din dito ang
modernong kultura sa pamamagitan ng street parties, beauty pageants, at
motorcades.
Ayon kay Marlon Libot, business support
organization team leader ng Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM), ang nasabing
aktibidad ay inaasahang dadaluhan ng mahigit 500 na mga partisipante galing sa
sektor ng kalakalan sa Mindanao kasama ang mga magsasaka at mga mangingisda.
Ang GEM ay isang pribadong organisasyon na
layuning palakasain ang pagtaas ng ekonomiya sa Mindanao at tumulong na
masiguro na maraming tao ang magbebenepisyo sa paglaki ng ekonomiya.
Ang mga partisipante ay kailangang magbayad ng
registration fee na P2,500 kasali na dito ang mga kagamitan para sa tatlong
araw na aktibidad.
“Si US Ambassador sa Pilipinas na si H.E. Harry
K. Thomas ay inaasahang dadalo upang magbigay ng mensahe sa unang araw ng
aktibidad, kasama ang Ambassador ng Japan na si H.E. Toshinao Urabe, Ambassador
ng China na si H.E. Liu Jianchao, at ang Ambassador ng Korea na si H.E. Hye-Min
Lee. Samantala, dadalo rin si Senator Franklin Drilon ng Committee on Finance
upang magbigay ng kanyang mensahe kasama ng mga nagtataasang opisyal ng bansa,
at ang pangalawang pangulo na si Jejomar Binay na guest of honor sa
Ambassador’s night,” aniya.
“Habang sinasagawa ang tatlong araw na
aktibidad, iba't-ibang produkto naman na galing sa rehiyon ng Caraga ang
itatampok sa mga mamumuhunan na galing sa ibat-ibang rehiyon sa Mindanao na may
picturesque scenery,” dagdag pa niya.
Idinagdag din ni Libot na si Senator Teofisto
Guingona III ay inaasahang dadalo sa pangalawang araw. Iba't ibang paksa rin
ang tatalakayin ng mga eksperto sa larangan ng kalakalan.
Sa huling araw naman, si Senator Aquilino “Koko”
Pimentel III ay sasali sa mga partisipante, kung saan itatampok ni Mindanao
Development Authority Chairperson Luwalhati Antonino ang 2012 Mindanao Business
Policy Agenda.
Napag-alaman din na si Pangulong Benigno S.
Aquino III ay inaasahang dadalo upang magbigay ng kaniyang mensahe sa
culmination day.
Dahil ito, ang pamahalaan ng syudad at mga
kaagapay nito ay inaanyayahan ang mga Mindanaons sa ibat-ibang sektor upang
sumuporta sa aktibidad na ito. (RER/PIA-Caraga)
Tagalog news: Reg’l consultative meeting para sa
Networking ng Public Health Emergency Service, gaganapin
Ni Danilo S. Makiling
LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Hunyo 22 (PIA) -- Isasagawa
ang regional consultative meeting on networking ng public health emergency
service sa darating na Hunyo 26-27 sa Surigao City.
Sa isang pahayag, sinabi ni Department of
Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga Regional Director Ariel
Valencia na ang dalawang araw na kaganapan ay layuning masiguro at mapalakas
ang humanitarian response sa pamamagitan ng pagsiguro sa high standards of
predictability, accountability, at partnership sa lahat ng sektor sa panahon ng
kalamidad.
Sinabi rin ni Valencia na ang pangunahing agenda
ng pagtitipon ay ang paghahanap ng kaagapay at makagawa ng isang kasunduan para
sa rehiyon.
Ang DOH ang nanguna sa Health Cluster ng Medical
and Trauma Management, Management of the Dead and Missing, Nutrition, Mental
Health Psycho-social Service, at Water-Sanitation-Hygiene (WASH).
Sa ilalim ng Memorandum Circular No. 1, series
of 2008 ng National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), nabanggit dito na
kailangang ma-institutionalize ang Cluster Approach sa pag-manage ng sakuna sa
Pilipinas.
Gumagana ang cluster approach sa dalawang antas.
Sa pandaigdigang antas, ang layunin ay palakasin ang system-wide preparedness
and technical capacity na rumesponde sa humanitarian emergencies sa pamamagitan
ng global Cluster Leads at pagsiguro na mayroong maaasahan na pinuno at
responsable sa lahat ng pangunahing sektor o lugar ng aktibidad.
Samantala, layunin naman ng pambansang antas na
siguruhin ang agaran at epektibong pagtugon sa pamamagitan ng pagpapakilos sa
mga grupo ng mga ahensya, organisasyon, at mga pribadong ahensya sa pamamagitan
ng maayos na estratehiya sa loob ng lahat ng sektor at lugar ng aktibidad. Sa
bawat sektor naman ay may malinaw na nakatokang pinuno, upang suportahan ang
government coordination structure at emergency response mechanisms.
Dahil dito, inaanyayahan ang mga
emergency/disaster focal point persons ng ahensya ng pamahalaang nasyonal na
lumahok sa aktibidad na tugon sa disaster preparedness ng bansa. (RER/PIA-Caraga)
Cebuano news: Gobyerno misaad sa padayon nga
pagpaningkamot aron masumpo ang human trafficking
Ni Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Hunyo 22 (PIA) -– Ang State
Department 12th Annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report sa Estados Unidos
diin ang Pilipinas nahimutang sa Tier 2 Category usa ka idintipikasyon sa
nagkalain-lain ug agresibo nga mga inisyatibo aron pagsumpo sa human trafficking
dinhi sa nasod, ang opisyales sa Palasyo miingon kagahapon.
Si Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda
mipagawas sa maong pamahayag human ang pagpagawas sa 12th Annual Trafficking in
Persons (TIP) Report sa US State Department nga midayeg sa pipila ka mga
dagkong mga nahimo sa gobyernong Pilipinas sa paningkamot niini aron mawagtang
ang human trafficking.
"We will continue to improve our efforts
and we would like to be taken out from Tier 2," matud ni Lacierda miingon.
Matud pa niya, ang gobyerno kasamtangan karong
gihugtan ang lakang batok sa mga illegal traffickers ug recruiter nga mobiktima
niadtong inosenteng mga Filipino.
Ang Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking in
Persons (IACAT) mihimo og mga programa aron maseguro nga ang human trafficking
dinhi sa nasod mahunong na.
Ang uban pang mga pagdayeg nga gitumbok sa 12th
Annual Trafficking in Persons Report lakip ang pagdakop ug pagpasaka og
kriminal ug administrative charges batok sa mga empleyado sa gobyerno nga
suspetsado nga nalambigit sa sindikato sa human trafficking o nagtabang sa mga
operasyon niini.
Ang mga nasod ubos sa Tier 1 hugot ng nakatuman
sa Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) minimum standards samtang ang Tier
2 nga mga nasod wala pa makatuman, apan mihimo og mahinungdanong mga
paningkamot. (PIA- Surigao del Norte)
