PIA Mindanao regions to launch official mobile app
By Venus L. Garcia
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) – In preparation for the
future challenges of the breakthroughs of technology in digital age, the
Philippine Information Agency (PIA) regional offices of the island Mindanao
propel in introducing new specialized platform called ‘PIA Mindanao’ mobile
application, a comprehensive source of information through the use of
smartphones, tablets and iPads.
PIA Northern and Northeastern Mindanao cluster
head and PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga underscored that it is the
first and distinct mobile app that caters local news and updates per region in
Mindanao. It is tailored to benefit
particularly Mindanaoans and everyone concerned. “This app is conceptualized in
a manner that other PIA platforms can be conveniently accessed at any time and
in any place by mobile people who needs mobile app to keep track of the latest
news, weather forecast, and other relevant updates that will help better ride
out a disaster,” he said.
Initially introduced as ‘PIA Caraga’ mobile app
sometime in December 2014, said app has gained a positive rating as carefully
monitored by the PIA Caraga IT and maintenance team. It was even presented and
adopted already by the Caraga regional disaster risk management council
(RDRRMC).
“The mobile app created and introduced by PIA
Caraga is an innovation that will contribute to the attainment of PIA’s mission
to inform different communities of government programs, projects and services.
This is another platform that we can utilize and will make PIA regions in
Mindanao take the lead,” said PIA-10 regional director Thelma Oliver.
PIA-9 regional director Noemi Edaga also expressed
that PIA Caraga’s launch of an additional platform is significant in building a
strong Mindanao considering that communication is vital in building a strong
republic. “Said launch of the app will
be preceeded by its pilot-testing by PIA Mindanao cluster for a foretaste of an
enhanced delivery of information and government advocacies in one setting,” she
added.
PIA Mindanao personnel claimed it as a product of
mutual cooperation and altruistic concern for the public being served since the
app was basically created as a life-saving instrument where it can help
motivate people to practice resiliency and educate them about preparedness
measures for them to respond accordingly especially during disasters and
calamities by downloading the app.
“This comprehensive and inclusive mobile platform
is proof that the PIA exerts as much effort we can muster to reach out to as
many people in Mindanao and every Filipino in the country and all over the
world with very fresh and relevant information,” said PIA-12 regional director
Olivia Sudaria.
The app is a commissioned project of PIA Mindanao
where PIA Caraga region started to generate and design its content and
painstakingly invested the passion and time to fix glitches until it is ready
for conversion into ‘PIA Mindanao’ from ‘PIA Caraga’ mobile app.
Meanwhile, PIA Southern, Central and Western
Mindanao cluster head and PIA-11 regional director Efren Elbanbuena described
it as a Mobile Governance, a strategic use of government services and
applications which are possible using mobile phones, tablets and wireless
internet infrastructure. “We want to ensure that the application distribution
platforms are available to people via mobile technologies using cellular
phone/tablet devices. This is a promising intervention in providing information
right at your fingertips,” bared Elbanbuena.
Embedded in the mobile app is the icon of Advanced
Forward Emergency Broadcasting System (AFEBS) Network, the agency’s information and advocacy station live
streaming 24/7, where disaster management tips, interviews and discussions on
significant issues can be heard. Directory of government offices, maps, news
releases, textblast messages, photo sharing features can also be viewed and
used.
To enhance more the information dissemination
capabilities, PIA Caraga along with other PIA Mindanao regions will soon
establish and launch the ‘One Mindanao TV’, a simultaneous live newscast and an
online television news program with news and current affairs coming from the
five regions in Mindanao through the utilization of the Internet Video Live
Stream. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)
Habitat for Humanity turns-over 40 houses to
SurSur village residents
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) – The Habitat for
Humanity Philippines with partner stakeholders had turned-over on Thursday the
40 houses to residents of Barangay Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
The Habitat for Humanity took the chance to help
the victims of the recent typhoons that hit Caraga region which include
Hinatuan. It is a rebuild project of the said organization.
Atty. Abdussabor Sawadjaan Jr., regional head of
Habitat for Humanity Philippines - Davao and Caraga regions acknowledged its
partners who helped and donated funds for the construction of the houses for
the residents in the said barangay.
"We are very happy to see that finally you
(beneficiaries) now have a decent home to live with your families after being
hit by several typhoons. Through the support and donations of our partners, we
were able to gather funds and now, the local government of Hinatuan will
turn-over it to each one of the 40 recipients in this barangay... you take good
care of your houses and may you live peacefully in this community,"
expressed Sawadjaan.
Charlie Ayco, CEO of Habitat for Humanity
Philippines central office graced the activity and recalled how the
organization has gathered donations for the construction of the houses to help
victims of the recent typhoons that hit the area.
“I am here to personally see your new houses and
to share with you the happiness that you all feel now especially that you now
have your own decent houses through the help of our partners who never fail to
support us in our endeavors. This is also a concerted effort of our Habitat
officials from Davao and Caraga regions,” Ayco highlighted.
Also, Celso Tambasacan, barangay captain of the
said area expressed his warm thanks to the Habitat for Humanity Philippines and
to its partners for extending help by building houses for the residents who
were victims of the recent typhoon. "This is a blessing to all of us here
who will benefit from this project of the Habitat. Thank you very much Habitat
for Humanity Philippines for your effort in giving our people new home to live.
May you be blessed more and be able to help more people who need shelter,"
he said.
Yolanda Espijo, chairperson of the Upper Talisay
Housing Cooperative assured the Habitat and the funders of the project that the
beneficiaries will take good care of their new houses, maintain its
cleanliness, and will never forget how Habitat changed their lives.
"We are very thankful to the Habitat for
Humanity Philippines for giving us hope and a home to live with our families.
We truly appreciate your time and effort," Espijo articulated.
Meanwhile, as partners of the Habitat in the
rebuild project of 40 houses in barangay Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur,
the representatives of Lutheran World Relief and San Miguel Foundation also
gave their inspirational messages to the beneficiaries, and encouraged them to
be disaster-resilient community. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
Loyola residents in Hinatuan receive water filter
from Habitat
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) – In time with the house
dedication and turn-over ceremony of the 40 houses to the residents in Barangay
Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, the Habitat for Humanity Philippines also
turned-over the water filter in Barangay Loyola, of same municipality.
The Loyola Dream Housing Cooperative welcomed all
the Habitat officials and guests, and recognized their valuable efforts in
providing them the water filter so they can drink clean water and prevent
different water-related diseases.
Charlie Ayco, CEO of Habitat for Humanity
Philippines central office also commended the active participation of the
Loyola residents in community activities and reminded them to help one another.
“I am very much thankful to our very supportive
partners like the San Miguel Foundation who donated funds for us to provide you
with these houses you are already living, as well as to our water purifier
donor Johanne Bacosmo. Big thanks also to Habitat Butuan officials for their
assistance and for introducing other initiatives for the Loyola residents. With
this water filter provided to us, we can be assured that our children could
drink clean water. We are also happy to know that the local government unit of
this municipality is very supportive,” expressed Ayco.
Ayco further bared that there will be skills
training for the residents in the said area to capacitate them.
Edilberto Cacho, chairman of Loyola Dream House
Cooperative in Barangay Loyola, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur recognized the
unified efforts of the Habitat in providing them the life saver water filter
for their barangay. Several water backpacks were also given to the residents.
"We will never forget what you have shared
with us. The houses and facilities that you provided us mean so much to us. We,
the beneficiaries may leave this world one day, but our children's children can
still utilize all these things. We hoped to continue our good relationship as
partners in community building," stressed Cacho. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
New commander assumes 402nd Brigade top post
By Noel B. Najarro
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) - The 402nd “Stingers”
Brigade of the Philippine Army, under the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division (4ID)
has a new commander after a change of command was conducted on Wednesday at its
headquarters in Camp Bancasi, Brgy. Bancasi this city.
In a turn-over rites presided by 4ID commanding
general Maj. Gen. Oscar T. Lactao, outgoing brigade chief BGen. Jonathan G.
Ponce turned over his post to the incoming commanding officer of the said
brigade, Colonel Isidro L. Purisima. BGen. Ponce will be moving up to the
Army’s national headquarters in Camp Emilio Aguinaldo and assume post at the
G-9 (Retirees and Reservists Affairs Office).
The Wednesday turn over rites was attended not
only by the top Army officials from the 4ID, Battalion Commanders and regional
officers but also by their counterparts from the Philippine National Police led
by Police Regional Office 13 deputy regional director for administration
PCSupt. Keith Ernald Singian and PSSupt. Greg Pimentel, the PRO 13 Chief of
Directorial Staff. Also in attendance were representatives from the local
government units led by Congresswoman Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao of Dinagat Island
Province, Agusan del Norte Vice-Governor Ramon AJ Bungabong (representing Gov.
Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba) and Butuan City Mayor and Regional Peace
and Order Chair Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. Local Government Executives (LGEs),
Local Government Unit representatives (LGUs) and Directors or representatives
from the various government line agencies also attended the event.
Outgoing 402nd chief BGen. Ponce was awarded with
a “Military Merit Medal” by Maj. Gen. Lactao, for his various accomplishments
in the region from the time he assumed as 402nd commander on July 31, 2014
until January 22, this year. Other stakeholders also rendered to the outgoing
chief their commendations and appreciations.
For his message, the outgoing 402nd chief cited
among the major accomplishments during his term the declaration of the Province
of Dinagat Islands as an “Insurgency-free Province,” on December 17, last year.
According to him that soon to follow will be the declaration of the province of
Agusan del Norte as “Conflict-manageable Province and Ready For Further
Development.” He also pointed out that in this region the Armed Forces and the
Philippine National Police have their inter-operabilty, close coordination and
cooperation. He said that he assumed his post in Caraga at a time when the
region was declared a national priority area, and believed that he and his
brigade have done their best to make the region to what it is now in terms of
security, peace, development and progress. He said he is leaving his post to a
very capable officer in the person of Col. Purisma who can manage and led the
brigade well into its direction and mission.
Col. Isidro Purisima, the incoming 402nd Brigade
commander said he is very glad to become part of the “Team Diamond” and vowed
to Maj. Gen. Lactao his one hundred percent commitment to the division’s
direction, vision and mission. According to him, he is aware of the peace and
security challenges of the region including that of the man-made and natural
disasters. He said that among his thrusts will be to strengthen the “Bayanihan”
program with the help and cooperation of the local government executives, the
LGUs and other stakeholders. According to him, his brigade will continue the
pursuit of peace and development by separating the lawless from the
law-abiding, separate insurgents from their mass base, detach these insurgents
from the indigenous people, revoke their influence from every sector of the
society and isolate them from their sources of financial support. He said that
he will relentlessly pursue armed threat in support of law enforcement. He
calls on to the insurgents to abandon their armed struggle. “I’m not asking
them to abandon their principles, but to abandon armed violence,” Purisma said.
Maj. Gen. Lactao for his inspirational message,
noted the region LGU, agencies and stakeholders support to their military, the
inter-operability of the military and the PNP and the other positive
developments here which have contributed much to the region’s peace, progress
and development.
He pointed out that the President had laid a peace
and security campaign plan for the military and that is the “Internal Peace and
Security Plan Bayanihan.” He said that the program focused not only on military
solution but on many dimensions to achieve peace and security which includes
social, economic, cultural and spiritual dimension. He also pointed out that
the army is following the so-called “Army Transformation Road Map” which
envisions a world class army by 2028. According to him that to realize this,
the army must follow at least these imperatives which are: intensification of
stakeholders engagements, perform their job without violating human rights and
to work within the framework of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL), human
rights and the rule of law, according to Lactao. (PNA/PIA-Caraga)
PNP, army seize firearms, ammunitions in clash
with NPAs
By Noel B. Najarro
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) - Government troopers
composed of the elements from the 13th Regional Public Safety Battalion and the
402nd Brigade, Philippine Army encountered about 15 lawless elements, believed
to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA) at Brgy. Rojales Carmen town in
Agusan del Norte; at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
A turn-over of command ceremony was on-going at
the 402nd Brigade headquarters in Brgy. Bancasi, between outgoing 402nd Brigade
Commander BGen. Jonathan G. Ponce and the incoming Brigade Commander Col.
Isidro Purisima, presided by 4ID commanding general Maj. Gen. Oscar T. Lactao
when the news about the encounter erupted.
PSSupt. Joseph D. Plaza, Battalion Commander of
the 13th RPSB in an interview said that his personnel and the 402nd Brigade
elements were conducting combat operations when some local residence in the
area reported the presence of some heavily armed group. Plaza said the group
might be up for something when the joint team of Army and PNP who responded
engaged them in the said area, which resulted to a 10 to 15-minutes firefight.
The joint police-military team pressed on the
armed and forced them to scatter and flee towards the hinter areas of the said
place leaving behind much of their supplies and armaments.
The operating troops searched the encounter site
and recovered the following items left behind by the fleeing rebels: a) three
units of M16 A1; b) three units of AK 47; c) a US Carbine Caliber 30; d) an
M203 Grenade Launcher; e) two units Paltiks; f) 2 units Caliber .45 Pistols; g)
several Rifle Grenades of 40mm; h) different ammunition and magazine of Rifles;
i) Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs); j) assorted blasting caps; k) 50 meters
of Electric Wire color black; l) Rifle Cleaning Kit; m) two bolos; n) a
handsaw; o) two units homemade Rifles; p) five handheld radios; q) eight
Bandoliers; r) 12 pieces assorted Cellular Phones with SIM Cards; s) several
backpacks; t) subversive documents; u) various medicines and paraphernalia.
Col. Purisima, the newly assumed 402nd brigade
commander who was with PSSupt. Plaza at the RPSB office during the presentation
of the seized evidences also said in an interview that he commended the PNP and
the Army in-operability, close coordination and cooperation which have resulted
to such accomplishment. “We don’t necessarily would have wanted this to be this
way, as we wanted things to be settled in a peaceful manner. But we need to do
this as your security forces to isolate these lawless people from the public so
that they could not continue on with their acts of violence,” Purisima said.
A member of the group was captured during the
encounter and now is temporarily under the custody of the RPSB while
appropriate case is being prepared for filing in court. (PNA/PIA-Caraga)
Butuanon cyclist to defend crown in Ronda
Pilipinas
By Ma. Lourdes P. Apego
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) - The reigning champion
of the international cycling race Ronda Pilipinas Reimon M. Lapaza, a native of
Butuan City, is set to defend his crown starting next week.
On Thursday, Lapaza together with his seven-member
team will travel to Dipolog City to ride a boat for Dumaguete where the Visayas
leg of the Ronda Pilipinas will be held starting February 11, 2015.
In an interview, the 28-year old international
champion said he is not only excited but determined to become back to back
champion of the prestigious competition sanctioned by Union Cycliste
International.
Lapaza recalled joining and winning Ronda
Pilipina last year was not easy because
he was able to compete not just with fellow Filipino cyclists but with cyclists
from other countries in a competition that included 14 stages traversing more
than two thousand kilometers of road.
On February 4, 2014, Lapaza's group was given a
formal send off by the city government here headed by Councilor Virgilio G.
NeryJr. of the Sangguniang Panlunsod Committee on Health, Sanitation and
Sports.
Lapaza is joined by Lito Patayan (Coach), cyclists
Leo Jade S. Lopez, Tots N. Ojeda, Cesar Lapaza Jr., Gilbert Enarciso, and John
Earl Sagarino.
They were escorted by supporters Engr. Allan Taruc
and Jose Enriquez.
It can be recalled that the Butuanon group blazed
a trail in the history of national and international cycling with the records
of former champions Rex Pitao, Virgilio Viray and Ernesto Sagarino. (Radyo ng
Bayan Butuan/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
Surigao Norte town now processes business name
registration online
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Feb. 6 (PIA) -
Businesses in the municipality of Bacuag, Surigao del Norte can now register
their business names at their own locality with the municipal government’s
implementation of the On-Line Business Registration Hub.
The said project is under the Bottom Up Budgeting
(BUB) Program through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
DTI-SDN provincial director Celestino L. Negapatan
expressed his appreciation to the municipal government of Bacuag headed by
mayor Sheila Mae O. Cebedo for their effort and cooperation in implementing the
On-Line Business Registration Hub Project.
The project is the first of its kind in the province, aiming to help the
local business community since business name registration is processed only at
the DTI provincial office which entails more time and costs on their part.
He further explained that the said initiative is
in support to the Business Permit Licensing System (BPLS) streamlining program
which aims to reduce the processing time and costs in registering local
permits.
Through the said project, one unit of
internet-ready computer station was purchased and installed along with a
printer and other accessories at the office of the Business Permit and
Licensing Officer (BPLO). The equipment
will be used to process business name applications though the DTI’s
Enhanced-Business Name Registration System (e-BNRS) which allows online
processing of business name registration including electronic payment of fees
through the use of Globe G-cash.
At the end of the activity, three business names
were registered by the BPLO, each processed less than 15 minutes.
The trainings were conducted by DTI-SDN technical
staff composed of Supervising Trade and Industry Development Specialist Rodrigo
R. Matabaran, Business Registration Officer Fame M. Fazon, and Trade and
Industry Development Specialist Ninebeth A. Romo. (DTI-13/PIA-Caraga)
PNP: SurSur stays under alert
By Greg Tataro Jr.
TANDAG CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) – The “February 4 bus
bombing” in Hayanggabon, Claver, Surigao del Norte has prompted the Philippine
National Police (PNP) in Surigao del Sur to place the entire province under
alert status.
During the incident, two persons have been
reportedly injured.
Meanwhile, PS/Supt. Narciso Verdadero, acting
provincial director of the PNP here stressed that the “Alert Memo” issued on
the same day immediately following the incident will remain at least until the
end of the month, extending up to the duration of the 2015 Caraga Regional
Athletic Meet (CRAM).
Surigao del Sur is the host province to the
upcoming regional athletic meet on February 22-27 for the second consecutive
year.
The alert memo carries specific directives like
the conduct of inspection on bus/jeep terminals; intensification of
intelligence gathering; setting up of strong check- and chokepoints; strict
implementation of Patrol 101; and maximizing police visibility especially in
places of convergence to preempt similar incident, Verdadero pointed out.
Besides, all lower units were also instructed to
closely coordinate with their army counterparts in their respective area of
responsibility (AOR) to thwart any enemy hostile plans, he added. (NGBT/Radyo
ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
GOJO MWS program launched in Surigao del Sur
By Myra Q. Yu
SURIGAO DEL SUR, Feb. 6 (PIA) - The Department of
Agrarian Reform (DAR) here successfully launched the newest assistance program
named as GOJO-MWS in Tagbina, this province on February 4, 2015.
GOJO is a Japanese word for “damayan” in Tagalog
or “dayong” in Visayan dialect which means mutual aid based on spirit of
cooperation. Meanwhile, MWS stands for Membership Welfare Services.
This venture is implemented in the areas covered
under Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Projects (ARISP) handled by the
Barobo-Tagbina Peoples Organizations Network of Surigao del Sur (BATAPONSSUR)
Federation of Cooperatives consist of: Progressive ARB Multi-purpose Coop
(PARBEMCO), Mabuhay Kahayagan Coffee Growers Coop (MKCGC), Tagbina ARB
Multi-purpose Coop (TAGAREBE MPC), Nagkahiusang Mag-uuma sa Guinhalinan Coop.
(NAGMASAGUICO), and Batunan Farmers Coop (BAFAMCO).
In his message, Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer
Benjamin M. Mataksil encouraged the coop officials to recruit more members to
avail the program as he appreciated this endeavour as good practices of helping
one another both in times of happiness or difficulties.
As explained by the representative of BABAs
Foundation Inc., DAR's partner non-government organization (NGO), the program
will provide unique assistance products such as birthday gift, maternity
assistance for first child caesarean, partial disability, calamity (fire case),
and wedding anniversary gift which are not offered by any existing insurance
companies.
The BATAPONSSUR Federation is now accepting interested
individuals who are members of cooperatives/organizations to become a GOJO
member. (NGBT/DAR SDS/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
