ANECO holds public forum on PPA application
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, July 10 (PIA) – The Agusan del
Norte Electric Cooperative (ANECO) conducted on Thursday at their Multi-Purpose
Hall here, the Public Hearing on Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Case No.
2014-063 RC or the Application for Approval of the Power Purchase Agreement
between ANECO and Asiga Green Energy Corporation (AGEC) with prayer for the
issuance of provisional authority.
Commissioner Josefina Patricia Magpale-Asirit of
the Energy Regulatory Commission (ECC) served as the mediator of the said
forum.
“The ERC has its objectives to achieve the
following objectives: to promulgate/approve rules, regulations, guidelines and
policies; to enforce rules, regulations including issuances of permits and
licenses; to resolve cases (rates and other cases) and disputes; to promote
consumer interest; and to become a dynamic organization of professional people
with the highest degree of technical competence and integrity,” relayed Asirit.
Asirit stressed that the conduct of a public
forum is very important so the consumers and the public will know cases like
this is being processed.
Engr. Darwin Daymin, ANECO's Technical Services
Department Manager said the demand on the supply of electricity in the province
will increase in the coming years. "We are continuously looking for other
ways wherein we can get more suppliers of energy so we can secure and sustain
the provision of energy to our consumers," he stressed.
Daymin also pointed out that there is really a
need of having a stable and reliable power source that is also affordable.
"We see the demand of providing sustainable power source as people become
dependent on electricity while at work or even at home," he said.
Daymin also bared several reasons why ANECO
should sign the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with AGEC.
"ANECO should sign the PPA because it will
help address long term need of power supply, it will help meet the growing
energy demand of Butuan and Agusan del Norte. It will also assure additional
base power supply which would minimize if not eliminate brownouts,"
emphasized Daymin.
Also, Agusan del Norte 2nd Dist. Rep. Erlpe John
Amante, who graced said activity, expressed his optimism that power crisis in
Mindanao particularly in Caraga will be addressed and will soon have energy
sources that could really provide sustainable power to the region.
"I am here not only as the representative
of the province but also as a consumer. As we all know, Mindanao is
experiencing scarcity of energy, and now, the challenge is on how we can
overcome this and get investors to come in to help us address this
concern," Amante articulated.
Amante further said he will support any
investors who will help the city and the province in its effort to provide the
need of sustainable power source to its people. "Regardless of who or what
energy source are willing to help our local energy supplier here, I will
support. Because I want that the city and our province can have a secure and
sustainable energy. We also want that this will be affordable to all the
consumers," he said.
It was also learned that another forum will be
scheduled and this time, personnel representing both parties – ANECO and AGEC
will discuss further updates and details of said case at the ERC office in
Manila.
The ANECO is a non-stock, non-profit electric
cooperative created and existing pursuant to the provisions of Presidential
Decree No. 269, as amended, with principal office address at Km. 2, J. C.
Aquino Avenue, Butuan City. It operates an electric light and power
distribution service in Butuan City and Cabadbaran City, as well as the
municipalities of Agusan del Norte, namely: Buenavista, Carmen, Kitcharao,
Jabonga, Las Nieves, Magallanes, Nasipit, RTR, Santiago, and Tubay.
Meanwhile, the AGEC was established when
Equi-Parco Construction Company and Hydropower Resources Management and
Consultancy, Incorporated conceive the idea of pursuing the exploration and
development of the Asiga River into a renewable energy resource in Agusan del
Norte in 2010. And on July 18, 2013, AGEC was formally registered with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a corporation which is majority
owned by Filipino investors. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
Surigao Norte guv outlines significant gains in
SOPA
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, July 10 (PIA) – Surigao del Norte
governor Sol F. Matugas outlined the significant triumphs of the provincial
government since she assumed office in 2010 during her State of the Province
Address (SOPA) on Monday, July 7, 2014 at the Provincial Convention Center,
this city.
The governor outlined the significant triumphs
that the province gained in the past year such as Sustained Good Governance;
Expanded the Delivery of Basic Services thru HEALS (Health, Education,
Environment, Agriculture and Aquaculture, Livelihood and Tourism, Social
Services and Spiritual Renewal) Program; Developed the Infrastructure Base; and
Accelerated Economic Growth.
“We achieved these marvellous and significant
gains because my administration continues to adhere to good governance thru
participatory and consensus oriented, effective and efficient, responsive,
equitable and inclusive that follows the rule of law and transparent and
accountable governance,” the governor said.
The governor proudly announced that the province
was recognized as among the 18 out of 80 provinces with an updated collection
of real property taxes during the conduct of the 4th General Revision of
Property Assessments of Real Property Taxes.
"The province was declared third runner-up
among the 71 entries in the entire Philippines for the 2013 Perlas Award by the
Department of Tourism during the 14th National Tourism Congress of ATOP and
received the recognition as one of the two Most Outstanding Governor in the
country in the field of peace-building conferred by Secretary Teresita Q. Deles
of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPPAP)," Matugas said.
She also noted the major landmark achievements
of her administration such as establishments of the Bag-ong Kapitolyo sa
Siargao (New Siargao Capitol Building); the soon to open, state-of-the-art
level 2, Provincial Hospital in Sta. Cruz, Placer with a 50-bed capacity
(progressive 100 beds); and the Provincial Community Training and Livelihood
Center in Bad-as Placer.
She also bared the operationalization of the
Barangay Health Stations (BHS) in Geographically Isolated Depressed Areas (GIDA)
in the province with trained BHS Nurses assigned in each identified barangays,
and the recently launched Bayay Paglaum (Home of Hope), a peace village
composed of cluster of homes for former rebels to help them assimilate and live
normally in the mainstream of society, "which is now on its way for
implementation."
“Presently, Siargao District Hospital has
already a Blood Station installed and operational, it is now performing major
operations in emergency cases and we have inked a MOA with Vicente Sotto
Medical Center to compliment the lack of medical and surgical specialists in
the hospital,” Matugas said.
The governor also said that a state-of-the-art
Sports Complex and Convention Center will soon rise in Siargao Island to cater
sports and tourism events in the island. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Preparations underway for DRRM summit in AgSur
By David M. Suyao
AGUSAN DEL SUR, July 10 (PIA) - Members of the
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) convened on
Wednesday in order to brace for the DRRM provincial summit here set on July 15
while taking the opportunity to update the Executive Order No. 15-13 series of
2013, Organizing the Provincial Coordinating Clusters for Calamities and
updating resources of member agencies that can be utilized in times of
calamities.
Recognizing the presence of the members of the
PDRRMC who have the hands in formulating the PDRRM plan, provincial
administrator Jesusimo Roquillo representing governor Adolph Edward Plaza said
the governor is expecting more effective and efficient strategies after the summit
when members of the PDRRMC will see where the team is effective and where the
team fails in order to hit the target of zero casualty and less destruction to
properties.
According to PDRRMC provincial coordinator
Roberto Natividad, regional directors of agencies who are directly mandated to
implement and monitor disaster management programs will be the resource persons
to present disaster management and strategies while harmonizing the local
(provincial and municipal) plans.
“Regional director of the Office of the Civil
Defense as well as NEDA regional director will be with us in order to talk on
how important the strategic plan that we formulate in order to respond
effectively during disasters and calamities in order to save lives and
properties. For us, we are also expecting that our efforts during the past
calamities be evaluated so that we will know how effective we implement our
plans and what we still need in order to improve our performance during
disasters and calamities that will strengthen our efforts in our quest to have
zero casualty and lesser destruction to properties,” Natividad said.
In order to strengthen the PDRRMC plan,
Natividad said it is necessary to update the provincial coordinating clusters
for calamities so that all the member agencies and stakeholders will have
correct direction and will be “singing in one tune” during the actual situation
to avoid confusion.
Natividad also ask the members of the PDRRMC to
list down their resources that they believe could supplement the provincial and
municipal resources, both manpower, equipment and facilities that can address
the immediate needs in times of calamities. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
News Feature: Interest in organic rice grows
By Rhea C. Abao
BUTUAN CITY, July 10 (PIA) - Organic rice has
generated great public interest due to its health, economic, and environmental
potentials. More people are now inclined to choose organically grown rice for
these long-term benefits.
With the rising concern about synthetic
fertilizers and pesticides residues, the clamor for healthy safe food is
growing and the organic market is likewise expected to grow.
Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office
XIII (DA-RFO XIII) thru the Marketing Assistance Division (MAD) integrates
strategic interventions in linking organic farmer-producers and buyers on a
pro-active, mutually beneficial, cost effective and sustainable manner to
ensure availability of products at the right volume, time, price, and quality through market matching.
According to MAD Chief Lynn PareΓ±as, market
matching is not only important to
identify the main channels to provide information to potential customers but
also to decide on where to sell the organic rice, what variety, and what time
of the day to sell. Market matching will be an avenue for developing the local
organic market in the region.
In addition, peoples’ organizations, farmer
cooperatives, and non-government organizations across the region are making
efforts to be involved in the marketing of organic colored aromatic specialty
rice (dinorado, red rice, black rice) which helps in the overall development of
the organic market.
Organic certification has become increasingly
important in relation to marketing, as there are many self-claimed organic products
in the market. Although third party certification is an expensive process, it
is essential to gain consumers trust and confidence. Good thing though, is that second party
certification is still recognize in the local market giving ample time for
organic producers to undergo 3rd party certification.
“For now, we have asked a second party
certification from the DA to be able to market our product. This is to prove
the quality of rice produced by the farmers as well as the process it underwent
from production to packaging,” said Erlindo Orozco of Agus-Pinoy Farmers Cooperative
who are currently selling their product at the newest mall in Butuan City.
However, DA XIII regional organic agriculture
focal person Rebecca Atega said that for organic products to reach the bigger
market outside the region and even in the international market, a third party
certification is necessary. “This will protect and further promote the
integrity of organic products here and abroad. Certain provision as
strengthened under RA 10068, otherwise
known as the Philippine Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 requires that there
should be no labeling of products as organic if it is not certified by a 3rd
party, which will become mandatory after April 2016,” Atega said.
In coordination with MAD, local government
units, peoples’ organization, farmer cooperatives, and non-government
organizations, a one-on-one dialogue was conducted to generate information on product
specifications, variety required, volume available, indicative selling price,
mode of payment, and preferred business agreement
and other information deemed necessary.
After consolidation, a marketing agreement was
forged between the Federation of Agrarian Reform Communities Cooperatives
(FEDARCCO) represented by chairperson Leonila A. Alindongan and Agus Pinoy
Producers Cooperative (APCO) represented by Marketing Officer Erlindo R.
Orozco, Jr.
APCO signified its interest to actively supply
organically produced rice with a volume of 200 bags at 50 kilogram per bag with
an averageof P 2,300 per bag while FEDARCCO agreed to purchase their
by-product.
The intervention of DA-RFO XIII thru the Marketing
Assistance Division seeks to expand and strengthen linkages among the regions
small and medium enterprises through information exchanges and market matching.
(DA-13 Information Section/PIA-Caraga)
SSS reaches out to over 27,000 workers thru new
linkages with coop, NGO
MANILA, July 10 (PIA) - More than 27,000 workers
from Metro Manila and parts of Luzon will benefit from wider access to Social
Security System (SSS) services following the pension fund’s accreditation of a
non-government organization (NGO) assisting the urban poor and a cooperative
for vegetable vendors as partner agents.
The SSS signed a servicing partner agent (SPA)
agreement with Kasagana-Ka Development Center, Inc. (Kasagana-Ka) to reach out
to the NGO’s over 24,000 member-beneficiaries, as well as SPA and collecting
partner agent (CPA) agreements with the Baguio Vegetable Retailers Savings and
Credit Cooperative (BAVESCO) which to date has more than 3,700 members, within
the first half of 2014.
“SPAs can accept SSS membership, loan and
funeral benefit applications to help their members file these without going to
an SSS office. Meanwhile, CPAs can collect and remit contributions and loan
payments of their own members, making active SSS membership easier and more
convenient for these workers,” said Judy Frances See, SSS Senior Vice President
for Account Management.
The new partnerships with organizations are part
of SSS initiatives to provide social protection to millions of workers,
especially those from marginalized sectors, and address concerns such as
limited access to SSS offices and members' lack of time and resources to handle
SSS transactions on their own.
Kasagana-Ka is a social development NGO that has
assisted over 20,000 families, mostly from the urban poor sector. While
headquartered in Quezon City, it also has field offices in Metro Manila and
neighboring provinces such as Bulacan, Laguna and Cavite. BAVESCO, a duly
registered cooperative operating in Baguio and Benguet, provides affordable
loans, goods and other services to its vendor-members. It implements an
efficient collection system for membership dues and loan amortizations, which
the cooperative will also use for the SSS payments of its members.
“SPAs and CPAs are paid a processing fee for
every successful SSS transaction, enabling them to earn additional income, and
at the same time, advance the welfare of their members by serving as channels
for their active SSS membership. These factors further spark the interest of
organizations into partnering with SSS,” See noted.
At present, 14 organizations across the country,
including Kasagana-Ka and BAVESCO, are now authorized as CPAs, SPAs, or both.
Two multi-purpose cooperatives, which have a combined reach of over 17,000
workers in Luzon and Visayas, are awaiting accreditation as both SPA and CPA,
she added.
Simbag sa Pag-asenso Inc. (SEDP), a diocese-run
organization that caters to socio-economic needs of over 35,000 workers from
marginalized households and home-based industries in Southern Bicol and Nothern
Samar, has also applied for additional accreditation as CPA. SEDP, an SPA since
February 2013, is among SSS' first partner agents.
Interested organizations can visit the nearest
SSS branch, contact the SSS Call Center at 9206446 to 55 or send an email to
member_relations@sss.gov.ph for information on how to apply for CPA and SPA
accreditation and other SSS queries. (SSS/PIA-Caraga)
SP approves P800K for Team Agusan Project
BUTUAN CITY, July 10 (PIA) - The 16th
Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte approved on second reading the
Team Agusan Project amounted to P800,000.00.
Said Team Agusan Project is a convergence of
various organizations within the province composed of the private sector,
non-government organizations (NGOs), private organizations (POs), civil society
organizations (CSOs), youth, women and other sectoral groups whose core
functions are the promotion and advocacies on disaster risk reduction and
mitigation measures including in the response and rehabilitation phase.
Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba
indorsed the said project to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by vice
governor Ramon AG. Bungabong through her letter dated June 2, 2014 and
certified it as urgent for immediate discussion during the regular session.
The body approved the Team Agusan Project during
its 47th Regular Session on June 23, 2014 on the basis on its drive to
inculcate awareness and preparedness on disasters and calamities especially to
the vulnerable communities and also in line with Republic Act 10121 which
provides for the adoption of a disaster risk reduction and proactive approach
in lessening the socio-economic and environmental impacts of disasters
including climate change and promote the involvement and participation of all
sectors at all levels and stakeholders concerned especially the local
community.
Sanggunian Resolution No. 129-2014, approving
the said project amounting to P800,00.00 was authored by Provincial Board
Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
Agnor launches Vet’s Day Program
By Dr. Joseph Dargantes
BUTUAN CITY, July 20 (PIA) - With the concept of
providing a more efficient and effective delivery of veterinary services with
utmost accessibility to the people of Agusan del Norte, the provincial
government of Agusan del Norte launches the Vet’s Day Program in the province
this month of July 2014.
“Under this program, a veterinarian will be on
duty in a certain municipality of the province in a scheduled day of a week
providing free veterinary services,” provincial veterinarian Dr. Belen M.
Aruelo said.
Last July 2, 2014, one of the veterinarians of
the Provincial Veterinary Office, Dr. Joseph P. Dargantes, started his duty in
the municipality of Nasipit. Under the Vet’s Day Program, he will be detailed
in said municipality taking office temporarily in the Municipal Information
Center (MIC) Office near the Nasipit Municipal Hall.
“We are very thankful for this program of our
dear provincial governor – now I am not worried if ever my farm animals would
need veterinary care – we have a veterinarian in our own backyard,” Nanay
Priscila of Barangay Camagong gladly quips. “We are also thankful to our
municipal government, through Mayor Enrico Corvera for fully supporting this
program,” she further added.
Nanay Priscila was one of the clients queuing
for the free veterinary services in Nasipit. Aside from the free technical
consultation, veterinary drugs and supplements were also given courtesy of
Univet Animal Health Company (UNAHCO) who co-sponsored the program.
Governor Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba,
keen on delivering government services to her constituents, formulated this
special veterinary program.
The schedule of Vet’s Day Program visitation in
other municipalities will be finalized this month of July 2014. (PVET/PIA-Agusan
del Norte)
PCA conducts investigation on 'cocolisap' in
SurSur
By Greg Tataro Jr.
TANDAG CITY, July 10 (PIA) – The Philippine
Coconut Authority (PCA) in Surigao del Sur was swift to act on reports last
week against alleged infestation of “cocolisap” or etymologically known as
“scale insect” during the holding of Provincial Agricultural and Fishery
Council (PAFC) meeting here.
PCA Provincial Manager George Rasonabe said that
they immediately went to San Miguel town, 31 kilometers south of this city, to
conduct an investigation but found out, instead, the presence of brontispa or
coconut leaf beetle.
On March 27, a seminar-workshop on the control
of brontispa disease, which has been affecting the coconut industry in the
province, jointly sponsored by Vice-Governor Manuel Alameda, Sr. and the PCA,
was held at Britania, San Agustin town.
PCA Manager Rasonabe and his staff who took part
as speakers during the occasion had received a commendation from the Sanggunian
Panlalawigan through Resolution No. 335 authored by SP member Donell Polizon
over a week after.
Meanwhile, the PCA chief said that they have
also set a trip this week to Lingig town, the southernmost municipality of the
province, 204 kilometers away from this city, to do the same investigation on a
claim of another alleged “cocolisap” infestation.
It will be recalled that in late March, Rasonabe
declared that Surigao del Sur has no case yet of cocolisap infestation. (NGBT/Radyo
ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Tagalog News: Malakanyang umaasang makompleto
ang PPA na mga proyekto pagdating ng 2016
AGUSAN DEL SUR, Hulyo 10 (PIA) - Kumpyansa ang
Malakanyang na matatapos ang 15 na mga proyekto sa ilalim ng Public Private
Partnership (PPP) bago bumaba si Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa
panunungkulan sa taong 2016.
Sa isang panayam sa media noong Miyerkoles sa
Palasyo, sinabi ni Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda na may mga miyembro ng
gabinete na nagpahayag ng kompyansang ang 15 na proyekto sa ilalim ng programa
ay makompleto bago matapos ang termino ng Pangulo.
“Pero sa uulitin, kinikilala namin na may ilang
proyekto na tatagal hanggang 2016,” sabi ni Lacierda, at dinagdagan na ito ay
katanggap-tanggap.
Kung ang mga proyektong ito ay makokompleto sa
tamang oras o kaya tatagal pagkatapos ng kasalukuyang administrasyon, ang
kahinatnan nito ay ang mga ito ay makapagbigay ng kinakailangang imprastraktura
sa bansa, sabi niya.
Noong Disyembre ng nakaraang taon, sinabi ni PPP
Executive Director Cosette Canilao na ang administrasyong Aquino at magtatapos
sa kanyang termino na may kulang-kulang pitong kompletong PPP na mga proyekto.
Ang proyektong PPP na inilunsad ng
administrasyong Aquino noong 2010 ay naglalayon na magbigay ng mga
kinakailangang imprastraktura para suportahan ang layunin ng pamahalaan na
makamit ang pangkalahatan at patuloy na paglago ng ekonomiya.
Noong ito ay inilunsad, inanunsiyo ng
administrasyon na 10 ang mga proyekto, kasamana rito ang pagdagdag ng Light
Railway Transit (LRT) at Metro Rail Transit (MRT), bagong mga paliparan at mga
terminal sa Visayas at Bicol, isang kalsada na magdugtong ng North at South Expressways
at isang proyektong suplay ng tubig sa Manila.
Mula noong 2010, ibinigay ng pamahalaan ang
limang proyekto – ang School Infrastructure Phase 1, PPP para sa School
Infrastructure Phase 2, Modernisasyon ng Philippine Orthopedic Center, Daang
Hari-SLEX Link Road at ang NAIA Expressway. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
