Scientific study to rehabilitate Agusan River
proposed
By David M. Suyao
AGUSAN DEL SUR, Nov. 24 (PIA) - A scientific study
to rehabilitate the Agusan River is being proposed after reports from the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Asian
Development Bank (ADB) in 2010 that there are occurrences of problems of the
water basin in its upper watershed areas in which the impacts are experienced
throughout the watershed.
According to reports, the main problems are the
degradation of the watershed and the deterioration of river quality.
Degradation, according to reports, leads to soil
erosion, siltation of river channels and irrigation system and flooding.
Geomorphologically, the present condition of Agusan River therefore is heading
for peneplanation. The valley development is in its old stage as evidenced by
the oxbow lakes, widening and meandering of river channels and rapid erosion of
river embankments.
For the Province of Agusan del Sur to implement
the most appropriate solution to mitigate the impacts of future floods due to
climate change, the provincial government has came up with the proposal to
rehabilitate the Agusan River, thus, there is a need to undertake a scientific
study which can serve as an input in rehabilitating Agusan River.
In a meeting conducted by the Agusan del Sur
Environment and Sustainable Development Council (ASESDC) who was tasked by
Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza to review and recommend the proposal on
November 18, 2014, Adnama Mining Resources Inc. (AMRI) presented their proposal
to ASESDC to undertake the required geological study of Agusan River substrates
or sediments as inputs to the rehabilitation plan of Agusan River.
According to. Juanito Manzano, AMRI
representative, the geological study aims to determine how thick the sediments
are that underlie the current main river channel; determine or classify the
type of sediments that underlie the main channel through the conduct of
sedimentological analysis; to recommend appropriate engineering interventions
based on the geotechnical characteristics of the underlyingnsedimants;
determine the presence or absence of deleterious materials or substances
present in the substrates that can likely affect the natural condition of
Agusan River and; to establish the present terrain morphology within that part of
the main channel including measurement of its flow rates.
“The study that we at AMRI proposes will commence
at Barangay Lankilaan, Trento on the south then downstream to the marshland in
San Gabriel, Veruela with a distance of 37 lilometers. The study that we
propose is free of any charges, therefore, the provincial government or whoever
will pay nothing to us,” Manzano said.
Having understood the proposal, members of the
ASESDC came out with a resolution to recommend to Gov. Plaza that the study
will pursue, free of any charges and until the study will be completed. After
the study, the provincial government will again plan for the next move.
(DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Dinagat provincial cooperative office to release
P1.750-M livelihood assistance fund
By Susil D. Ragas
SAN JOSE- Dinagat Islands, Nov. 24 (PIA) – A total
of P1,750,000 million will be released soon by the provincial government of
Dinagat Islands through the Provincial Cooperative and Development Office
(PCDO) to eight identified accredited cooperatives of the province.
Dinagat Islands provincial information officer Ma.
Jane Mayola bared that one of the programs of the province under the leadership
of governor Glenda B. Ecleo is the Pro-LIFE (Provincial Livelihood Fund for
Economic Development).
She said that since the establishment of this
program in 2007, the provincial government, through the PCDO has already
released a total of P4 million livelihood assistance funds to the different
cooperatives in the province who submitted program proposals for expansion of
their services. (SDR/PIA-Dinagat Islands)
DSWD spearheads “PaskuJuan: Salu- salo sa
Pagbabago!”
BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 24 - The Department of Social
Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga will join the nationwide holiday festival
and bazaar celebration dubbed as
“PaskuJuan” to herald the
successes of the department's partner–beneficiaries.
The festival will be conducted simultaneously in
all regions of the country on November 30, 2014 (Sunday). In Caraga, it will be
held at the Guingona Park, Butuan City. It will commence at 7:45 a.m. with a
mass at Saint Joseph Cathedral.
To highlight the festivity, the Sustainable
Livelihood Program (SLP) participants will showcase their products as bazaar concessionaires.
"Ito na ang pinakamalaki, makulay, at masaya
na pagsalubong sa kapaskuhan. Magsalu-salo po tayo sa pagbabago (This will be
the biggest, colorful, and happiest welcome for the Christmas season. Let’s get
together for the change)," DSWD-Caraga regional director Minda Brigoli
expressed.
Brigoli encouraged all Caraganons to support and
patronize the products of the beneficiaries.
"PaskuJuan is a venue for the different
Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and Sustainable Livelihood Program
beneficiaries in the region to sell their livelihood products," shared
Brigoli.
Along with the activity will be the launching of
the “Kaya Ko ang Pagbabago” Social Media Sites; Signing of the Memorandum of
Agreement with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) under Voluntary Service; Oath
Taking of the Regional Juvenile Justice Welfare Committee (RJJWC).
To intensify the celebration, the major stakeholders
namely the National Government Agencies (NGAs), the Civil Society Organizations
(CSOs), the Union of Local Authority of the Philippines (ULAP), the Association
of the Career Executives (ACEs), Local Government Units (LGUs,) and the media
are also invited. The affair is open to the general public.
(DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)
DOT Caraga drumbeats ‘Visit Philippines 2015’
Campaign
BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 24 - The Department of Tourism
(DOT) Caraga Region joins the bandwagon in the launch of ‘Visit the Philippines
Year 2015’ on November 26, 2014. The big event shall unravel more of the fun
reasons to visit the 7,707 island adventure country.
Caraga Region for its part shall roll-out its top
events, activities and programs to entice more tourists to come. The launch
will feature series of activities on November 26, 2014. The big event shall
kick-off with a motorcade.
Also, Caraga’s finest destinations shall be
showcased in a Tourism Exhibit at the Robinson’s Place Butuan City. The exhibit will also house photos of the
region’s exciting attractions and jaw-dropping adventure activities. One will
savour Caraga’s delightful colors, culture, sounds and sights with the evening
highlight of Caraga’s Cultural Presentation.
Assistant Secretary Arturo P. Boncato of DOT and
Chief Operating Officer Domingo Ramon C. Enerio III of the Tourism Promotions
Board are expected to grace the event. They will be joined by the chief
executives of the region’s local government units, partner agencies, private
sectors and other tourism stakeholders. The convergence is an opportunity to
renew partnerships and explore on other areas of cooperation with stakeholders
for tourism.
DOT Caraga regional director Leticia Tan foresees
brighter years for tourism in Caraga. She bared that the Regional Launching of
the Visit Philippines Year 2015 is expected to impact a substantial increase in
tourist arrivals for Caraga.
Tan added that in 2013, a growth rate of 15.74%
was achieved. This year, tourism is likely to exceed its targeted growth. She
quipped that with DOT’s Visit the Philippines Year 2015 Campaign, continued
positive growth on tourist arrivals is sure to escalate.
The big event is slated at various venues in
Butuan City to include Big Daddy’s Convention Center and Robinson’s Mall
Butuan. (DOT/PIA-Caraga)
1st Mangrove protection, information center in the
Philippines opens in Siargao
By Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga
BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 24 (PIA) – The Department of
Environment and Natural Resources ( DENR) Caraga Regional Director Nonito M.
Tamayo commends the Municipality of Del Carmen, Siargao Islands in the province
of Surigao del Norte for its efforts in protecting the mangrove forest and
promoting eco-tourism in the area.
On November 15, the 1st ever Mangrove Protection
and Information Center in the Philippines was launched at Del Carmen as part of
their “Siargao It Up!” project.
The center is a legacy of Metro Pacific
Investments Foundation through “Shore It Up” and the Municipality of Del Carmen
to the people of Siargao.
“This is a project of the Metro Pacific
Investments Foundation with the support of the Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) group
of companies as part of the “Shore It Up” program.
Shore It Up is a program which promotes
environmental awareness of the whole country. “Our aim is to be nationwide.
Since Del Carmen is the second largest in terms of mangrove forest in the
Philippines, we decided to focus on protection rather than propagation,” said
Vice President for Public Relations and Corporate Communication of the Metro
Pacific Investments Corporation, Ms. Melody Del Rosario. That’s how we come up
with a Mangrove Protection and Information Center. We established a center to
let people know of the importance and benefits of mangroves in terms of
biodiversity and its contribution to the safety of the coastal communities,”
del Rossario added.
The center was funded by the Tourism
Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority or TIEZA through Undersecretary
Mark Lapid.
This facility shall serve as the center for the
protection and propagation of mangrove trees in the coastal estuaries,
including the rehabilitation of degraded mangroves in the whole island of
Siargao, while providing information for locals, tourists and guests on the
value and benefits of mangroves in our ecosystem.
Mangrove forest is sanctuary to several rare and
endangered wildlife species such as the Philippine Cockatoo, Hawksbill Turtle,
Green Sea Turtle, Golden Crown Flying Fox, Dinagat Gymnure, Olive Ridley Turtle
and Endangered Dugong.
It prevents soil erosion, protects coastline from
strong winds and waves, and filters off agricultural run-off and pollution. It
is also a breeding ground for different marine organisms. It is a source of
food, medicines and firewood. It supplies dissolved organic matter for nutrient
cycle.
“What we have done in the past is reaping now. We
can already feel the effects of climate change. It is not too late, we can still
do something. To be able to mitigate it, we need to do something sustainable
that is why we came up with this. Mangrove serves as barriers for tidal waves
so it is our first line of defense,” del Rosario said.
Siargao has an approximately 8,600 hectares of
mangrove cover which is the second largest in Mindanao and 4,000 hectares of
contiguous mangrove stand in Del Carmen which is the largest in the
Philippines. Out of the 54 mangrove species worldwide, 44 can be found in Del
Carmen. And the Crocodylus Porosus which is the largest of all living saltwater
crocodiles can be found in Del Carmen mangrove forest.
“We would like to convert illegal operators into
boatmen tour operators. This is a good start because we see tourism as a prime
driver in terms of poverty alleviation. This is the face of Del Carmen and this
would be the new face of Siargao.” Municipality of Del Carmen Mayor Alfredo
Coro II said. (DENR-13/PIA-Caraga)
'Tagana-an Women's Federated Association'
undergoes local study mission
By Rodrigo R. Matabaran
SURIGAO CITY, Nov. 24 (PIA) – A group of twelve
composed of officers and members of Tagana-an Women’s Federated Association
(TAWFA) headed by its president Cristina Diaz went through a Seaweeds
Processing Study Mission at Indog Lianga Sociaty, Inc. (ILSI) in Lianga,
Surigao del Sur on November 14, 2014.
The study mission is one of the activities laid
out in the implementation of the seaweeds based food processing project under
the 2014 Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GPB) program facilitated by the
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
According to DTI-Surigao del Norte provincial
director Celestino L. Negapatan, , the municipal government of Tagana-an
received P500,000 earlier this year for the implementation of the said project.
He said that ILSI is a promising organization that
manufactures Lianga Seaweeds Pickles, a seaweed-based product which already
achieved foreign market acceptance.
“The TAWFA together with DTI-Surigao del Norte
found opportunity to benchmark at ILSI to learn first- hand winning business
model and some best practices that could be applied to the seaweeds processing
project in Tagana-an,“ Negapatan said.
The participants were hopeful that they can apply
what they have learned as they aim to establish their project within this year.
The project operation is expected to provide additional income to the direct
beneficiaries as well as the seaweed growers in the community. (SDR/IO/DTI-Surigao
del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
SurSur, Tandag City DepEd divisions to host Caraga
schools presscon, talents festival
By Greg Tataro Jr.
TANDAG CITY, Nov. 24 (PIA) – Surigao del Sur and
Tandag City Divisions of the Department of Education (DepEd) are tasked to
jointly host the simultaneous holding of the Regional Schools Press Conference
(RSPC) and the Regional Festival of Talents (RFOT) on November 25-28, 2014 in
this city.
DepEd Caraga Regional Director Atty. Alberto
Escobarte said that about 5,800 delegates from 12 DepEd Divisions in the entire
region are set to participate during the four-day event that will be held on
separate venues - the RSPC at Jacinto P. Elpa National High School (JPENHS)
while the RFOT at Surigao del Sur State University (SDSSU).
He likewise cited that both occasions carry
different themes: “Empowering Resilient
Communities through Campus Journalism” for RSPC and “Opportunity, Creativity
and Innovation for School Change and Development” for RFOT.
It was learned that the seven top winners for journalism/writing as well as technology and
home economics events will be the bets for Caraga region during the 2015
National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) and National Festival of Talents
(NFOT) that will take place in Taguig, Metro Manila.
Escobarte requested Surigao del Sur Governor
Johnny Pimentel to grace the opening program and deliver a welcome message at
3:30 p.m. on November 25 at the Tandag City Gymnasium. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan
Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
ATI-13 spearheads 1st Regional Techno Gabay Summit
By Japhet Sugian
TANDAG CITY, Nov. 24 (PIA) - The Agricultural
Training Institute (ATI) in Caraga spearheaded the 1st Regional Techno Gabay
Summit last November 10-12, 2014 held at ATI- Regional Training Center, Los
Angeles, Butuan City and the expository tour in Davao region. It was joined by
different local government units (LGUs) and state universities and colleges
(SUCs) with established Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS)
center in the region supported by ATI-13.
The summit aimed to gather different practices
implicated in different approaches done by FITS centers in the region,
exchanging best practices, and enhancing capability to provide basic
information services to farmer- clients.
ATI-13 officer-in-charge training superintendent
Robert Poculan revealed on his message during the opening ceremony that the
activity will enhance the expertise of FITS personnel and will definitely boost
each morale in establishing coherent information provided to farmers, students,
women, and even extension workers.
"This is the first time that ATI conducted
this activity, many have been called but only few responded. So,
congratulations to all of you,” he added.
Meanwhile, topics related to ASEAN Economic
Communities (AEC) Integration were discussed also by Sammy Calonzo, ATI
Program/ Project Officer on Livestock and Organic Agriculture. He pointed out
that not all organic products will be automatically being considered as good
agricultural practices (GAP) certified, certification will focus on the product
itself.
The summit also provided a venue for the awarding
of Best FITS Center, Best Farmer- Scientist, and Best Video Documentation where
Surigao del Sur bagged awards on some of these categories.
On the other hand, second part of the activity has
exposed each participant in some top performing FITS centers in Mindanao as
well as farm practices through an expository tour. The group went to
Banay-Banay, Davao Oriental on the second day to observe outstanding
implementation of the Techno Gabay Program.
The group also visited ACES Organic farm in Panabo
City as a final packaged of the aforementioned tour to showcase organic
agriculture interventions. "Working with organic farming practices needs
great patience and perseverance," said Francisco Dela Pena, ACES farm
manager.
The activity ended with great expectation to all
the participants and at the same time a challenge to do the right thing in
improving agricultural information services to their respective places. (NGBT/IO-OPAG/PIA-Surigao
del Sur)
OPAG-Tandag Farmers IT Servicers center grabs
"Best FITS Center' award
By Japhet Sugian
TANDAG CITY, Nov. 24 (PIA) – The Office of the
Provincial Agriculturist – Tandag Farmers Information and Technology Services
Center (OPAG-Tandag FITS Center) grabbed the title as Best FITS Center in the
region during the 1st Regional Techno Gabay Summit 2014 held recently at the
Agricultural Training Institute - Caraga Regional Training Center (ATI- CRTC)
in Los Angeles, Butuan City.
Rodel Pasion, chairman of the selection board
said, "the strategies made by OPAG in running the center made it easy for
us in the selection of a winner.”
Around 23 FITS center in the region from different
local government units (LGUs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs)
supported by ATI-13 participated in the selection process. The conduct of evaluation
lasted for a month, scrutinizing each of them to finally identify the best FITS
center.
As a reward, the center received a desktop
computer package, plaque of recognition and future funding assistance from
ATI-TGP.
"This will be the starting point for more
interventions to be initiated by ATI for the existing FITS center as we
anchored the Techno Gabay Program,” said Fil Victor A. Babanto, Project Officer
II and e- Extension coordinator. He said that the computer package award will
serve to accommodate walk-in clients.
Surigao del Sur Provincial Agriculturist and FITS
Manager Marcos M. Quico stated, "the performance of the OPAG - FITS center
is along the guidance and support of the provincial government through Governor
Johnny Pimentel as it provided the assistance for internet connection,
supplies, and ICT equipment for direct and easy access of information, thereby,
encouraging clients to patronize the center's services.”
Also, Richard Virtudazo, a soybean farmer from
Anahao Bag- o, Tago, Surigao del Sur, was also recognized as Best Farmer
Scientist or Magsasakang Siyentista (MS) and received a certificate of
recognition and a cash prize worth P10,000 as a token for his exemplary
contributions in developing soybean industry in the province.
"The center deserves what they have right
now. Teamwork among Technical Services Specialists (TSS) and Information
Services Specialist (ISS) of the OPAG - FITS center drives them to make it on
top," said ATI-13 officer-in-charge training superintendent Robert T.
Poculan, "My sincere congratulations to Mr. Quico on this
accomplishment," he added.
Being rewarded as this year's Best Implementer for
ATI-TGP, OPAG - Tandag FITS Center continuously strengthens its services and
further encouraged farmers to visit the center if they have some queries
related to farming technology. It is their mandate to link these farmers to
possible funding source developing appropriate enterprise. (NGBT/Info Officer
OPAG/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Tagalog News: Palasyo kinumpirma na isa na namang
lider ng Abu Sayaff ang namatay
AGUSAN DEL SUR, Nob. 24 (PIA) - Ang kasalukuyang
pagtugis laban sa grupo ng Abu Sayaff ay nagresulta sa pagkamatay ng isa na
naming lider ng grupo, isang opisyal ngPalasyo ang nagkompirma noong Linggo.
Sa isang panayam sa pamamagitan ng DZRB Radyo ng Bayan
noong Linggo, sinabi ni Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary
Herminio Coloma, Jr. na an glider na si Sihata Latip ay namatay sa isang
engkwentro lban sa pinagsanib na pwersa ng kapulisan at ng military noong
Sabado ng hapon.
"Patunay lang po ito sa determinasyon ng
pamahalaan na masabat at mapigil ang mga krimen na isinasagawa ng mga bandidong
elemento katulad ng Abu Sayyaf Group sa lalawigan ng Sulu," sabi ni
Coloma.
Ayon sa pinagsanib na komander ng pinagsanib na
grupo, Col. Alan Arrojado, ang engkwentro ay naganap noong Sabado mga bandang
4:45 ng hapon sa Barangay Duyan Kaha sa Sulu ng si Latip ay hindi sumuko ng
arestuhin.
Isang sundalo rin ang namatay habang ang isa naman
ay sugatan noong nagkaputukan.
Isa ring lider ng grupong Abu Sayaff na si
Airullah Asbang at walo pang rebelde ang namatay noong nakaraang Nobyembre 14
pagkatapos ng isang engkwentro laban ang tropa ng pamahalaan.
Hinikayat din ni Coloma ang iba pang residente ng
Sulo na ipagpatuloy ang pakipagtulungan sa otoridad.
"Hinihimok din natin ang kooperasyon ng ating
mga mamamayan para mawakasan na po ang pag-iral ng krimen doon sa kanilang
lalawigan," sabi ni Coloma. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
