(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Saturday, 28 December 2024) π—¦π—¬π—‘π—’π—£π—¦π—œπ—¦: Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Mindanao. Northeast Monsoon affecting Northern Luzon. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—˜π—”π—§π—›π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur will experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to ITCZ. Possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to at times heavy rains. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—œπ—‘π—— 𝗔𝗑𝗗 π—–π—’π—”π—¦π—§π—”π—Ÿ π—ͺπ—”π—§π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Moderate to strong winds coming from Northeast will prevail with moderate to rough seas / (2.1 to 3.7 meters).


PIA News Service - Thursday, June 14, 2012


REDCOP, DOH tell public how to prevent kidney diseases

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, June 14 (PIA) -- Officials of the Renal Disease Control Program (REDCOP) and Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga informed the public on how to prevent kidney diseases.

Ms. Delma Legaspi of DOH-CHD Caraga who is also the region’s REDCOP coordinator said drinking six to eight glass of water may help in flushing out bacteria “thus, cleaning our kidney.”

Dr. Romina Rusillon, a nephrologist of Caraga region who is also a partner of the REDCOP in its advocacy campaign, agreed with what Legaspi said, saying that there is no other fluid that may be considered best to take but the water.

When asked how effective coco water to be used as cleansing fluid for the kidney, Rusillon said there is yet a scientific study to prove this claim. However, he said drinking enough glasses of water daily can really help in cleansing the internal organs of our body, especially the kidney.

In a related development, Legaspi said everybody should adopt healthy lifestyle. “By healthy lifestyle, it means that we should not abuse our body by taking anything that may satisfy our cravings,” she said.

The officials added said since there are various causes of kidney diseases, the most important step is early recognition of the causes. To do this, regular check-ups with the doctor and at least a yearly urine examination should be done.

The official added that people with diabetes are more prone to kidney disease.

They added since the leading causes of end-stage renal disease are complications of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, control and prevention of high blood sugar for diabetes and high blood pressure for hypertensives are very important to prevent or delay the development of kidney problems that usually lead to end-stage kidney failure.

The officials were invited by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Caraga during the taping of today’s episode of “Caraga in Focus” which features the National Kidney Month Celebration. (RER/PIA-Caraga)


NGCP to conduct Power 101 session, press briefing in Caraga Region

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, June 14 (PIA) --The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) will conduct a session and press briefing tomorrow, June 15, to provide information to the local tri-media in Caraga region.

In an interview with PIA today, Milfrance Q. Capulong, NGCP Regional Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Officer for Mindanao, said the activity is a program of their division which is intended for the media community nationwide.

Capulong explained that it is an educational forum where media partners are updated on the latest activities that the NGCP is undertaking.

“We really want to reach out to our media partners because we know that not only do we have a power situation in Mindanao but also because for a long time, we’ve been constant partners in our info dissemination efforts,” Capulong said.

Capulong added that with another program that NGCP is set to launch for Mindanao in July which is the Transmission Line Safety and Security Campaign, there is a need for NGCP to partner with the media.

She added that the activity is also a lecture where basic information of electricity will be discussed so that the media partners will know the technical aspect of the NGCP operations. “In this way, the media will understand these technical terms that are being useful in their write-ups,” Capulong added.

The official further said that the media will also be lectured on the role of the NGCP in the energy sector to give them a clear picture of the country’s transmission corporation’s role in the middle of the Mindanao power situation.

The activity will also serve as venue for them (media) to ask frequently asked questions that were left unanswered for a long time, Capulong also said.

Invited speaker during the briefing is Atty. Cynthia Alabanza, NGCP spokesperson and adviser for External Affairs who will also answer queries from the participants of the forum.

Also, Engineer Guillermo Redoblado, NGCP Consultant, will also speak on the role of the NGCP in the energy sector.

As part of the press briefing, participating mediamen will be brought to a facility tour in one of the major NGCP substations located in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte. After the tour, the forum will immediately follow, Capulong said.

The official stressed that this activity is the first to be conducted here in Caraga Region, and the sixth leg in Mindanao.

Capulong added that the same session was already conducted in SOCKSARGEN, Iligan City, Cagayan de Oro City, Bukindon, Lanao, Marawi City, Davao City, and Zamboanga City. She said the last leg is now on the process of finalization and will be conducted in Dipolog City. (RER/PIA-Caraga)


Caraga DRRMC alerts public as tropical storm “Butchoy” nears Phl

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, June 14 (PIA) -- Caraga Region’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has warned the public to be alert as tropical storm “Butchoy” (International Name: GUCHOL) is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility this evening.

Mr. Amado Posas, OCD-Caraga Chief Operations Officer, said their office has already disseminated public advisory for them to be alert in case of emergency. Posas also said advisories were disseminated to the respective local government units for them to prepare their local DRRMC.

The official stressed that members of the regional DRRMC were also alerted on this matter. He further assured that RDRRMC knows what to do in case of emergency situations.

In a related development, Eugene Boco of the Butuan Search and Recue Team (BuSaRT) assured the public that they are at all times ready especially in situations where they are needed to respond to emergency cases.

To date, majority of the part of the region is partly cloudy. Last night, however, strong winds blew in some areas here, where according to the local Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), that was brought about by the said tropical storm as it gets near the country’s area of responsibility.

Meanwhile, according to PAGASA Central Office, the tropical storm was estimated 1,110 kilometers East of Northern Mindanao (10.5°N, 136.5°E) with maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometer per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 100 kilometers per hour. It is moving West Northwest at 20 kilometers per hour.

The country’s weather bureau also reported that Luzon will experience occasional rains becoming frequent over the western section which may trigger flashfloods and landslides. The western section of Visayas and of Mindanao will have mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms. The rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

Further, PAGASA reported that moderate to strong winds blowing from the Southwest will prevail over the whole archipelago with moderate to rough seas. (RER/PIA-Caraga)


Crime incidents in Butuan decrease, says BCPO

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, June 14 (PIA) -- Butuan deserves a peaceful city.

This was the statement of Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) PSupt Romy Palgue, Deputy City Director, during the recent City Peace and order Council (CPOC) meeting chaired by Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr.

Based on BCPO’s report, from the period of May 1-31, 2012, the crime incidents in the city has decreased to 46 compared to last year’s 86 crime incidents of the same period.

It was learned that the common crimes recorded are on carnapping, murder, physical injuries, robbery, and theft.

“For the month of May, our office has successfully conducted four positive operations on illegal logging; arrested 14 wanted persons with warrant of arrest; conducted Firearms Proficiency Training and Basic Driving Services Training to policewomen through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority,” said Palgue.

Palgue added that BCPO is continuously implementing Administrative Order 122, or the “No Plate, No Travel Policy and Republic Act 4136 (An act to compile the laws relative to Land Transportation and Traffic Rules, to create a Land Transportation Commission and for other purposes).

“On our Police Community Relations’ accomplishments, we had conducted cleanup drive, supported the campaign on Butuan City’s Clean Ground Zero Waste Program, and other activities in the community,” Palgue said.

Meanwhile, the council commends the efforts and initiative of BCPO for the establishment of police boxes in the strategic areas within the city since it has been observed that it has minimized the effects of crimes.

The BCPO also said the council helped the local PNP in its missions to maintain peace and order in Butuan. (RER/JPG/PIA-Caraga)


Search for Outstanding Barangay set in Surigao Norte

By Mary Jane Lepiten

SURIGAO CITY, June 14 (PIA) -- The Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte will launch the Search for Outstanding Barangay of the Province as a system of recognizing and granting of awards and incentives to outstanding barangays.

Governor Sol Matugas said the search aims to ensure the smooth implementation of the provincial government's Health, Education & Environment, Agri-Aquaculture, Livelihood, Spiritual and Senior Citizen (HEALS) Agenda. Specifically, it aims to strengthen barangay government capability to ensure effective and efficient delivery of barangay basic services.

Matugas stressed that as a basic political unit, the barangay is always in the forefront of development. “Through the barangay officials, the barangay plays multiple roles in governance with very limited resources, yet much is expected in terms of development. Collectively, the progress that took place at the barangay affirms the state of national development,” she added.

The search shall be conducted by cluster, e.g., Siargao Island Cluster, Mainland Cluster, and Surigao City Cluster.

Matugas said the search is a continuous activity, which will be conducted every six months. For the first round of implementation, the PAC will conduct on-site evaluation to municipal entries on June 18-22, 2012.

Awards will be given on July 2012 during Matugas’ State of the Province Address. (RER/FEA/DILG-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Surigao del Sur farmers' forum kicked-off 24th CARP anniversary celeb

TANDAG CITY, SURIGAO DEL SUR, June 14 (PIA) -- Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Provincial Office of Surigao del Sur opened its Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) anniversary celebration with a farmers’ forum held recently at the DAR provincial office conference room.

Officers and members of the Kapunungan sa Mag-uuma sa Surigao del Sur initiated a dialogue with the officials of the department to clarify major issues relating to agrarian cases and R.A. 3844 (Agricultural Land Reform Code)/A.O. 5 series of 1993 particularly the 25-75 sharing on leasehold contract.

During the discussion, the panelist headed by Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO) Benjamin Mataksil discussed farmers' rights as tenants and the status of their respective complaints which involve tenancy.

Mataksil in a statement emphasized that DAR is always open for dialogue and will extend help for the welfare of the farmers' beneficiary.

It was a fruitful undertaking of the department as the management was able to address their concerns and give them assurance of a full legal assistance in the process of their cases. (RER/NGBT/DAR/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Caraga placement rate up by 21% during 2012 Kalayaan job fair

BUTUAN CITY, June 14 (PIA) -- The 2012 Kalayaan Job Fair conducted during the 114th celebration of the Philippine Independence Day here recorded a high placement rate of 21 percent, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga Regional Director Ofelia Domingo reported.

In her report to Labor Secretary Rosalina Baldoz, Dir. Domingo said that 393 out of 521 registered applicants were qualified and referred, while 362 applicants were interviewed. She also reported that 76 job applicants were hired on the spot.

"There were a total of 21 local companies and nine overseas recruitment agencies that participated in the job fair. They offered a total of 26,242 job vacancies to the applicants," Domingo said in her report.

Meanwhile, as part of the job fair, Domingo said the DOLE regional office entered into a memorandum of agreement with the local government of Agusan del Norte, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and two private companies - EMCO and Equi-parco - where the latter will further train workers who do not meet the skills requirement of these two private companies, although having TESDA certifications.

The EMCO and Equi-parco have been identified by the DOLE regional office as companies with hard-to-fill vacancies.

"There will be 45 workers: 20 auto electrician and 15 auto mechanics for EMCO and 15 dump truck drivers for Equi-parco who will receive the enhanced training, the cost of which will be shouldered by the Agusan del Norte provincial government amounting to some P1 million," Domingo said.

After the training, EMCO and Equi-parco assured the workers of regular employment.

"This arrangement is the first of its kind in Caraga. There is no TESDA-accredited training provider on these skills in the region, thus only a Certificate of Competency (COC) will be issued to the subject trainees," she said.

"As we go along, we will identify more companies and encourage them to enter into the same arrangement," she added, saying that the city government of Butuan has expressed interest and is willing to be part of the project, even offering the use of the city's available equipment and an initial funding of P1 million.

Baldoz, on the other hand, hailed the initiative of the DOLE Caraga in the signing of the agreement.

"This is the kind of convergence and public-private partnership that could help us address the problem on jobs mismatch, specifically on skilled work," Baldoz said. (RER/NCLM/DOLE-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)


More volunteers out for family planning

By Rutchie Corvera-Saluta

BUTUAN CITY, June 14 (PIA) -- Responding to the demands for family planning services, barangay volunteers all over Caraga region will be trained and mobilized in various activities to assist couples in achieving their reproductive intentions.

The Commission on Population has designed training for the Barangay Service Point officers (BSPOs) to capacitate them in the Identification and Motivation of Married Couples of Reproductive Ages (MCRA) towards family planning.

“Part of our commitment to reduce the unmet need for family planning by 50 percent at the end of this year, we need to mobilize all stakeholders, especially the BSPOs, as they are the ones closest to these couples who can easily deliver appropriate information in matters relating to being responsible parents and planning their families,” POPCOM Director Camilo S. Pangan said.

Government official defined unmet need for family planning as the proportion of currently married women who do not want any more children or prefer to space births but are not using any method of family planning.

“The top reasons identified on high unmet need indicate lack of correct information which can be addressed when we able to mobilize the BSPOs in coordination with other health service providers in the field. That is why we need to equip and update them with appropriate training for them to be effective in creating demand for family planning services,” Pangan added

The training, organized in two batches, will focus in the priority provinces of Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur which are considered food poor areas.

Dinagat Islands and Surigao City will be part of Surigao del Norte while the cities of Tandag and Bislig will be part of Surigao del Sur. Said trainings will be done simultaneously on the first week of July at Tandag City for Surigao del Sur areas and at Mabua, Surigao City for Surigao del Norte areas.

Data on high unmet need for family planning in the region is still evident in the latest Family Health survey posted at 20.4, higher than the national figure which is 19.3 percent.

Several studies pointed that poor women continue to produce more children than they wanted. They also exhibited the lowest contraceptive use.

Top reasons for this high unmet need among the poor are fear of side effects on family planning methods and myths and misconception about family planning in general. Other causes include poor access to FP services, husband’s objection and LGU support. (NCLM/POPCOM-13/PIA-Caraga)


Villar, Trillanes to grace VMLP Confab

By Eldie N. David

BUTUAN CITY, June 14 (PIA) -- Several national dignitaries led by Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and former Las Pinas Congressman Cynthia Villar are among guests of honors who have confirmed attendance to the 3rd Vice Mayors League of the Philippines (VMLP) Mindanao Island Congress slated on June 20-22, 2012, at a hotel and convention center here.

Joining Trillanes and Villar who will grace the affair are Valenzuela Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian, Representative Angel M. Amante (2nd District – Agusan del Norte), Agusan del Norte Provincial Governor Erlpe John M. Amante, and Representative Joboy Aquino (1st District – Agusan del Norte). VMLP National President and Manila Vice Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso will also be on hand to open the convention expected to be attended by more than 500 Vice Mayors in the Philippines. Vice President Jejomar Binay who has earlier expressed his desire to grace the event has yet to finally confirm attendance.

The Congress, which will have a theme “Protect the Natural Environment, Preserve Nature’s Wonders, Promote Eco-Tourism,” is expected to be one of the biggest event to happen in Butuan City which will be hosted by the VMLP Caraga Regional Chapter Chaired by Butuan City Vice Mayor Lawrence “Law” Fortun. (RER/NCLM/BC-VMO/PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog news: PIA-Caraga nagsagawa ng kampanya para sa renal health care, prevention

Ni Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, Hunyo 14 (PIA) – Bilang suporta sa pagdiriwang ng Kidney Month ngayong buwan ng Hunyo, nagsagawa ang tanggapan ng Philippine Information Agency (PIA) sa rehiyon ng Caraga ng isang kampanya para sa renal health care at prevention.

Sa isinagawang taping kahapon ng espesyal na episode ng "Caraga in Focus," isang TV program ng PIA-Caraga Region, tinalakay ni Dr. Romina Rusillon, isa sa tatlong nephrologists sa rehiyon, ang mga bagay na kaugnay sa renal health care at prevention.

Binigyang diin ni Rusillon na pinalalakas ng pamahalaang nasyonal ang kampanya nito para sa renal health care at prevention sa pamamagitan ng Renal Disease Control Program (REDCOP).

Sinabi rin nito na sa pamamagitan ng kampanya, inaasahang mas dadami ang mga taong mabibigyan ng kaalaman sa pag-iwas at kung paano nila pangangalagaan ang renal health lalo na ang renal disease na kinokunsidira bilang isa sa top 10 killer diseases sa Pilipinas.

Ayon kay Delma Legaspi ng Department of Health – Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga, ang kidney disease ay ika-pito sa 10 killer diseases sa Pilipinas na sanhi sa pagkamatay ng mahigit sa 7,000 na Pilipino bawat taon.

Ipinaliwanag din ng opisyal na ang kidney disease kagaya ng diabetic kidney disease, chronic glomerulonephritis, hypertensive kidney disease, at chronic at paulit-ulit na kidney infection (pyelonephritis) ay madalas na nagiging end-stage renal disease dahil na rin sa kawalan ng kaalaman sa pag-detect ng nasabing sakit sa lalong madaling panahon.

Ipinaliwanag ni Rusillon na ang chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) ay isa sa mga karaniwang sanhi ng end-stage renal disease sa mga progresibong bansa katulad ng Pilipinas. Sinabi rin niya na karaniwang naaapektuhan nito ay mga bata, adolescents, at mga young adults sa kanilang productive years.

Ang mga kabataan at ang mga may sapat na gulang na mayroong glomerulonephritis ay maaaring hindi ma-detect sa loob ng buwan o taon, na sanhi ng pagiging progresibo nito sa pagiging chronic stage.

Sinabi rin ni Rusillon na bawat isa ay kailangang mag-ingat sa pamamagitan ng pagsagawa ng regular na konsultasyon sa mga doktor at dapat dumaan sa pagsusuri sa ihi.

Isa sa pamamaraan upang maiwasan ang nasabing sakit ay sa pamamagitan ng pag-inom ng anim hanggang walong basong tubig kada araw, ani Legaspi.

Dagdag ni Rusillon, sa pamamagitan ng pag-inom ng maraming tubig, maaaring mawala ang mga bakterya na nasa loob ng ating katawan. “Ngunit, kailangan din na ang publiko ay uminom ng maraming likido, lalo na ang tubig,” aniya.

Ang Caraga in Focus ay dinaluhan ng 22 local tri-media sa syudad. Ang pagdiriwang ng Kidney Month ngayong taon ay may temang “IKaw at ako, Panalo sa Malusog na Bato.” (RER/NLM/PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano news: Palasyo miingon departamento sa edukasyon preparado sa pag-implementar sa K+12 program

Ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Hunyo 14 (PIA) -– Gihupay sa MalacaΓ±ang kagahapon Miyerkules ang mga kahadlok sa publiko mahitungod sa implementasyon sa K+12 program uban ang pag-ingon nga Department of Education mihimo og kaseguroan nga gihimo nuila ang tanang gikinahanglan nga mga preparasyon aron magmalamposon ang implementasyon sa maong programa karong tuiga.

Usa ka magbabalaod ang miduso alang sa pagpahunong sa implementasyon sa maong programa og gisitar nga dili preparado ang departamento sa edukasyon partikularmente ang kakulangon sa mga libro, klasroms,ug pagbansay-bansay alang sa mga magtutudlo.

Sa press conference nga gipahigayon didto sa MalacaΓ±ang, si Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda miingon nga natuki niya ang K+12 program uban ang pipil ka mga opisyales sa eskuylahan sa Bulacan nga miingon sila naghikab-hikab na mahitungod niini ug ang DepEd malamposon nga mibansay sa ilang mga magtutudlo alang sa maong programa.

Ang K+12 usa ka kabag-ohan gikan sa Department of Education aron pagtuman sa usa ka gikasabotan, matud ni Lacierda kini nga kasabotan mao ang Washington accord, nga kinahanglan ang nasod adunay 12-year basic education.

Ang mga Filipinong propesyunal dili dawaton nga mosulod og trabaho kung ang Pilipinas mapakyas pagtuman sa maong gikinahanglan, matud pa ni Lacierda. Iya usab gibutyag ang Bologna accord nga nagkinahanglan usab sa maong pagtuman.

“These two treaties are international treaties. We are not signatories because we have not complied with the requirements provided in those accords. Kaya mahalaga po sa atin to come up or comply with international standards and for purposes also of employment abroad. should someone decide to seek employment abroad...,” siya miingon.

Sa kasamtangan, adunay 50,000 nga kakulangon sa mga klasroms dinhi sa nasod ug matud ni Lacierda ang 20,000 pagatukoron sa local government units, ug ang 30,000 pagatukoron sa gobyerno pinaagi sa public private partnership (PPP) ubos sa DepEd.

Luyo sa pagtuman sa international standards, ang K+12 importante kay kini maghatag sa mga estudyante og mga kapilian aron makapangita dayon og katrabahoan kung sila dili na makapadayon pag-eskuyla sa kolehiyo, matud pa ni Lacierda.

Ang gobyerno mipirma sa pipila ka mga kasabotan tali sa mga business organizations pinaagi sa Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry nga gituyo aron makasulod ang mga gradwado ubos sa K+12 program, siya midugang. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)