(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 30 October 2024) At 3:00 AM today, the center of the eye of Typhoon "LEON" {KONG-REY} was estimated based on all available data at 380 km East of Aparri, Cagayan or 395 km East of Calayan, Cagayan (18.8 °N, 125.2°E) with maximum sustained winds of 165 km/h and gustiness of up to 205 km/h. It is moving West Northwestward at 15 km/h. 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 partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. 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 West to Southwest will prevail with moderate to rough seas / (2.1 to 3.5 meters).


PIA News Service - Monday, September 10, 2012


Agusan Norte, Butuan Red Cross BODs sworn into office

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Sept 10 (PIA) -- Newly elected members of the Board of Directors (BOD) of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter were sworn into office during the induction ceremony held recently in one of the local resorts here.

They were inducted by Agusan del Norte Governor Erlpe John Amante, honorary chairman of the board, who was represented by Board Member Victor Joseph Tomaneng.

In his speech delivered by Tomaneng, Amante said the Red Cross Agusan del Norte-Butuan City chapter has lived its avowal to be “Always first, always ready and always there,” and remains committed to this duty.

Amante further said for over six decades of unparalleled sense of volunteerism, Red Cross personnel have been in the forefront of providing aid and empowerment to the vulnerable.

The official also conveyed his warmest congratulations to the newly elected and previous officers who have shown exemplary character in molding the local chapter into what it is now.

“Your resiliency is worth a commendable remark and definitely a character to reckon with,” Amante said.

The provincial governor likewise emphasized that serving the public is not an easy task as it needs to be 24/7 ready to respond to public concerns.

“This is the nature of our lives as public servants. That is why I truly admire you for accepting the challenge to spearhead this organization,” Amante said.

Amante also lauded the Chapter Administrator Teodoro B. Cairo for a job well done, saying that over the years, he has showcased what it is to have the heart of a true Red Crosser.

“You acted with sense of immediacy in responding to any calamity that struck our locality. Each volunteer provides a ray of hope during gloomy moments. You draw smiles from the families during hapless situations. This is your cause and may our simple gesture of gratitude commensurate your acts,” the governor said.

In closing, Amante said the scope of duties of Red Cross volunteers transcends beyond routinary actions, that some are even life-risking where the only reward is patriotism.

The newly inducted officers are as follows: Chairman, City Prosecutor Felixberto Guiritan; Vice Chairman, Dir. Mercedes Atupan; Secretary, Dir. Joanna Cuenca; Assistant Secretary, Dir. Josephine Salise; Treasurer, Dir. Titus Thaddeus Vesagas; Assistant Treasurer, Dir. Anselma Labicane; Auditor, Dir. Crispin Young; PIO, Dir. Abner Caga; and Counselor, Dir. Leodegaria Go.

Newly elected members of the board who were also inducted include Dir. Jeriel Kenneth Catedral, Dir. Epimaco Galero Jr., Dir. Constancio Napana Jr., Dir. Virgilio Nery Jr., Dir. Josefina Pabia, Dir. Jay Rivero, Dir. Renato Jose Villanueva, Dir. Lyndo Villacorta, and Dir. Rogelio Yu. (RER/PIA-Caraga)


CDA-Caraga, RCDC to lead Cooperative Advocacy Run

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Sept 10 (PIA) -- The Philippine International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2012 will culminate with a fun run activity, dubbed “Cooperative Advocacy Run” on December 12, 2012, done simultaneously in all regions.

The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Caraga through the Regional Cooperative Development Council (RCDC) chaired by Mr. Brix Merlin will be spearheading the said activity that will start at 5 a.m.

The event is anchored on the theme, “Transformative Cooperatives for People, Planet, Prosperity and Peace (Run 4Ps).”

Merlin said the activity aims to increase public awareness about cooperatives and their contributions to advance People, Planet, Prosperity and Peace of Sustainable Development and to strengthen and unite the cooperative movement.

“It shall also integrate the promotion of CDA’s three-point agenda, particularly the mainstreaming of cooperative membership, and encourage youth participation, and if necessary, create activity that will capture their interest to join or organize laboratory cooperatives,” Merlin said.

Merlin also mentioned that a registration fee of more or less P250 shall be collected from each participant, though the final amount of fee is still to be finalized by the IYC steering committee.

With this, CDA and RCDC encouraged the coop sector in the region to give their support and cooperation on the said activity.

For more information, the CDA-Caraga can be reached at telephone number (085) 342-5530. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


Agusan del Sur among the top performers in the implementation of health programs nationwide

By David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Sept 10 (PIA) -- Agusan del Sur is among the top performing cities and provinces in the implementation of health programs, the Department of Health (DOH) said during the DOH forum in Davao City last August 15.

Agusan del Sur topped 10 other contenders in providing immunization to children under its maternal and child health program, a report by Provincial Health Officer Joel Esparagoza said.

It also ranked third in contraceptive prevalence rate under reproductive health program and is among the top rank provinces in the implementation of out-patient benefit package under PhilHealth Insurance Program.

“Our purpose in going to Davao City last month was just to attend the DOH forum. We were surprised when Undersecretary Lozada announced the status of performance in the implementation of various health programs of the cities and provinces nationwide and we were very glad to hear and receive the recognition that we rank number 12 top performer in the entire country,” Nanette Cabanos, head of the PHO technical team, said.

Esparagoza also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Plaza for his continued support to the implementation of the different health programs of the province.

“We in the DOPMH/PHO are very thankful to Gov. Plaza for his sincere support to us in the implementation of one of his priority programs in governance which is health. Gov. Plaza never fails to find ways and means that our facilities here will from time to time be upgraded. Last month, because of Gov. Plaza’s intervention, medical facilities that include three X-ray machines, 20 hospital beds and medical supplies were donated by the World Medical Relief to the DOPMH/PHO that really helped us extend better service to the people,” Esparagoza said.

Esparagoza said the DOPMH is a certified secondary hospital, with 100 beds capacity.

Early last year, the construction of an extension started with 50 beds capacity, which will address the increasing needs of the people in Agusan del Sur and neighboring provinces. With its present set up, the DOPMH is also serving patients from as far as Surigao del Sur and Compostela Valley province. (RER/DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


DENR-Caraga bares salient features of Executive Order No. 23

By Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 10 (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Caraga region has presented the salient features of Executive Order No. 23 “Declaring a Moratorium on the Cutting and Harvesting of Timber in the Natural and Residual Forest and Creating the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force” in a recent joint meeting with the Provincial Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force (PAILTF) and Provincial Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee (PMSFPC).

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Paterno B. Olivera presented that moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forest is declared.

PENRO Olivera also emphasized the prohibition of DENR to issue logging contracts/agreements in all natural and residual forest; renewing tree cutting permits except for the cleaning of road right of way by DPWH.

The official further said under EO 23, the DENR directed to close and not to allow sawmills, veneer plants and other wood processing plants to operate that cannot present proof of sustainable source of legally cut logs for the period of at least 5 years.

He pointed out, however, tree cutting associated with cultural practices pursuant to IPPA law may be allowed only subject for strict compliance; 5) thru the DA-DENR-DAR convergence initiative , develop a National Greening Program (NGP) with DepEd, CHED, DILG, and DSWDwith BDM to provide funds for the production of seedlings.

The official likewise said the law directed the creation of Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force.

Olivera also emphasized that EO 23 as a national strategy aims for a sustainable protection of the forest and requires an active support.

“The Implementation of EO 23 requires an active support of the Local Government Units (LGUs), Non-government Organization (NGOs), Government Agencies (Gas), law Enforcement agency, local Communities and the Indigenous People,” Olivera said.

Meanwhile, DENR-Caraga Regional Environment Director (RED) Asec. Marlon Mendoza said that Loreto in Agusan del Sur is still a hotspot area for the illegal logging where they apprehended some 2,000 illegally cut logs recently.

The official also said that because of the bad image of checkpoints in some areas in Caraga region, they will reduce the numbers of checkpoint.

“Instead of putting up checkpoints, we will put up a multi-sectoral inspections team so, every truck will be checked and be placed on record to found out where the logs they carry originated from and they will also check sawmills in the region,” Asec. Mendoza said.

The official further said that they will strengthen the existing green court especially now that the cases to be filed for those government employees who were found to have been violated the order will be field with administrative and criminal cases.

Furthermore, Asec. Mendoza said DENR-Caraga will also have a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing with the member agencies of the Provincial Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee to intensify anti-illegal logging campaign activities in the region. (RER/DSM/PIA-Caraga)


Clean Ground, Zero Waste 1st anniversary celeb set in Butuan City

By Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 10 (PIA) -- The city government here will spearhead the Clean Ground, Zero Waste (CGZW) 1st Movement Anniversary on September 11, aimed to enjoin the community to actively participate in the implementation of garbage segregation as part of the solid waste management program of the present administration.

Following the meeting conducted recently, the CGZW committee has lined-up activities of the celebration highlighted by an awarding ceremony to 8,166 household as recipients of clean household certificate from the different barangays of this city.

To start the whole day celebration, a motorcade is set to be participated by member-agencies of the program as well as the barangay captains and officials of the 86 barangays here who will receive the award in behalf of the individual household awardees.

Meanwhile, the committee also urged the local tri-media to help them enjoin the community on the implementation of the garbage segregation as well as to participate in the celebration. (RER/DSM/PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano news: Pangulong Aquino mipahigayon og bilateral meeting uban ni Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak

Ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Sep 10 (PIA) -- Ang Pilipinas ug Malaysia kagahapon Domingo (Vladivostok time) pareho nga mipabati og panginahanglanon aron makuha ang hiniusang posisyon sa Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) kalabot na sa mga bikil sa pag-angkong sa West Philippines Sea.

Si Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III nakigtagbo kang Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak atol sa gipahigayon nga Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leader’s Meeting didto sa Far Eastern Federal University sa Russkiy Island.

Atol sa ilang bilateral meeting, gituki sa duha ka mga lideres unsay buhaton aron mapauswag ang mga investments, trade, defense cooperation, lakip usab ang West Philippine Sea, ang ASEAN, ug ang Philippine government-MILF peace process.

Si Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, diin maoy usa sa mga opisyales sa gobyernong Pilipinas ang didto sa maong tigum, miingon nga parehong gipadayag sa duha ka mga lideres ang panginahanglanon aron mohimo og hiniusang posisyon sa ASEAN mahitungod sa away sa West Philippine Sea.

Ang Pilipinas, Malaysia, China, Brunei, Taiwan ug Vietnam adunay dugay nang mga pag-angkon sa West Philippine Sea.

“Both countries are on board in terms of the six principles that was agreed with ASEAN and so we are anxious to see how that can be moved forward,” matud ni Del Rosario atol sa interbyu kaniya sa mga miyembro sa Philippine media.

“Both leaders had expressed the need to be able to adopt a common position in ASEAN in terms of the challenges in the West Philippine Sea, and we are also together in terms of support for the forward movement of the Code of Conduct,” dugang pa niya.

Matud pa usab ni Del Rosario nga Si Pangulong Aquino ug Prime Minister abdul Razak parehong mipadayag sa ilang positibo nga pagtoo nga ang peace negotiations mahuman na gyud “in the next couple of months.”

Dugang pa ni Del Rosario nga atol ussab sa maong bilateral meeting, nipadayag usab si Pangulong Aquino sa iyang dakong pasalamat ngadto sa Malaysia sa pagka-epektibo niini nga kaagabay. Siya miingon nga si Prime Minister Abdul Razak mipadayag usab sa iyang tinguha nga siya mosaksi kon ugaling mapirmahan na ang maong peace agreement.

Samtang mahitungod sa trade and investments, matud ni Del Rosario, adunay mga trade ug investments initiatives sa Kuala Lumpur ug Hongkong ug kini nga mga inisyatibo “will try to move the many opportunities offered between the two countries in terms of enhancing bilateral trade and investments.”

Luyo kang Secretary del Rosario, didto usab sa maong bilateral meeting sila Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Energy Secretary Rene Almendras, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, ug Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda. (RER/SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)