Monday, May 4, 2015

AgSur farmers receive cacao, banana, rubber seedlings from USAD

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, May 4 (PIA) - At least 70 upland farmers in Loreto town in this province received a week ago seedlings of cacao, rubber and banana from the provincial government under the Upland Sustainable Agri-Forestry Development (USAD) Program.

In a ceremonial turn-over rite, Gov. Adolph Edward G. Plaza and Loreto Mayor Dario E. Otaza handed-down cacao seedlings to 30 farmer-enrollees from Brgy. Johnson to be planted in 20 hectares (833 seedlings per hectares) under the province’s USAD project.

Another 20 USAD farmer-beneficiaries from Brgy. San Mariano and 20 from Brgy. Bugdangan were also given rubber seedlings to be planted in 40 hectares, respectively.

Farmers in Brgy. San Vicente were also given banana seedlings and floating peelers while two units of floating peelers and a farm tractor were turned-over to farmers in Brgy. Poblacion.

 “Nanginahanglan ko ug tabang kaninyo, isip pud inyo nga amahan sa probinsya, ang ako lang para sa kaayuhan ninyo ang pinaka-importante nako kay kung makita naku nga nindo tang cacao, sagingug rubber lam ikaayo ang akong paminaw ana (I need your help being the father of this province. My aim here is for the good living condition to all of us. The most important thing for me is to see that the growth of cacao, banana, rubber clump are on their best and that will give great feelings to both of us),”  Gov. Plaza said in a Cebuano dialect.

One of the beneficiaries named Romeo Sibugan of Brgy. Johnson, said  “Nagpasalamat  ko sa atong gobernador ug labaw sa tanan, sa atong mayor tungod kay taas ang ilang panglantaw sa farmers ilabi na kay nag kahiusa ang ilang huna-huna nga tagaan ug dakong importansya ang mga farmers pinaagi sa mga seedlings. (I am very thankful to the governor specially to our mayor because of their high regards to farmers especially that their mindset are common and that is to give recognition to farmers by giving them seedlings)."

Gov. Plaza assured the farmers to give additional seedlings if found out that they are nurturing and taking good care of the seedlings given to them.

USAD is the provincial government's flagship program that aims to improve the quality of living in upland communities by improving economic activities of the farmer households. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Going beyond talents through capability building workshop for effective IPEd implementation

By Dr. Jonas H. Jomonong

BUTUAN CITY, May 4 (PIA) - To further capacitate stakeholders in the effective Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) implementation, the Department o Education (DepEd) Division of Butuan City has recently conducted a 3-day Capacity Building on Supervision and SIP Enhancement for IP Education for education program supervisors, selected division personnel, district supervisors, school heads and teachers with IP learners on April 28-30, 2015 at Veranda 1, Carmen, Agusan del Norte.

Dr. Ma. Dinah D. Abalos, Education Program Supervisor in English and the interim Curriculum Implementation Division (CID) said that there is a great need to capacitate school heads on instructional supervision on IPEd implementation.          

Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Arsenio T. Cornites Jr. bared that capacitating school heads, supervisor and teachers on the IPEd implementation is very critical and essential in filling up the gaps through handling vulnerable and sensitive people in the community.  “Capacity building is achieving the goal for self-development programs and creating arena for self-confidence programs in IPEd implementation,” he emphasized.

Furthermore, Cornites discussed the six ways to go beyond talent which include passion (energizing one’s talent, creating fire); courage (testing one’s talent, molding the heart, seeking change); teachability (expanding one’s talent, about attitudes); relationship (influencing one’s talent, surrounding with positive people); responsibility (strengthening one’s talent); and teamwork (multiplying efforts).  He also added the three things to prepare in capacity building which are prepare yourself; set up yourself; and accelerate.  “If you want to have results for one year, plant a corn.  If you want to have results for a decade, plant trees.  If you want to have results for a lifetime, invest in people because human resources are the biggest and the most important investment an organization could have,” Cornites emphasized.

Participants were properly capacitated on the different concepts, principles and processes on IPEd including its legal bases on its implementation through a comprehensive power point presentations, workshops and group activities facilitated by the different speakers of the said training.

This 3-day training-workshop aims to level-off on common principles, processes and tools in supervision, discuss Indigenous Learning System (ILS) and Indigenous Knowledge, Systems and Practices (IKSPs), discuss the interface between ILS/IKSPs with the national education system and the implications of supervision, identify key principles to guide supervision for IP education and discuss the implications of the principles on the processes and tools for supervision.

Furthermore, the training provides an avenue to enhance existing supervision tools to be appropriate for IP education, discuss the principles, processes and content in School Improvement Plan (SIP) formulation, discuss emerging principles in community engagement and the implications for the planning process, discuss the field testing for the AD-based SIP, discuss the parts of the SIP to be enhanced and the specific enhancements to be done for each part and identify the needed pre-requisites for the effective implementation of the enhanced SIP. (DepEd Butuan City division/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Helmet for motorcycle riders set for strict enforcement in Tandag City

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, May 4 (PIA) – Mayor Roxanne Pimentel here issued an announcement last week, particularly to motorcycle riders, on the use of standard protective helmet effective May 15, 2015.

Citing “a spike of motorcycle-related accidents in the city recently,” the lady city chief executive said “This renewed enforcement therefore is to secure and safeguard Tandaganons, particularly the operators or drivers of motorcycles and their passengers, from fatal or life-threatening accidents and crashes.”

“The City Government of Tandag will strictly enforce the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009,” she pointed out.

“Joint teams composed of the CHPG, LTO, Traffic Management Group (TMG) and the Tandag City PNP will enforce this order in all streets and thoroughfares within the City,” Mayor Pimentel added.

Defiance shall mean penalties as provided for by law, she warned.

It can be recalled that a couple of years back, the use of protective helmet for motorcycle riders here has been relaxed due to string of shooting incidents involving “riding in tandem” felons who hide behind helmets in committing crimes and going scot-free.

Sad to note, nobody has ever been held liable or accountable for these crimes, Provincial Prosecutor Florito Cuartero confirmed. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Cebuano News: Palasyo nagpabilin nga malaumon nga ang Kongreso molihok sa Bangsamoro Basic Law

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Mayo 4 (PIA) - Samtang ang Senado mopadayon karon nga semana sa hisgutanan sa Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), ang Palasyo malaumon nga ang Senado ug ang House of Representatives mokonsederar sa pagpasa niini.

"Miasa ang atong gobyerno nga gipangunahan sa atong Presidente nga hatagan og lugway o aprobahan sa duha ka sangay sa atoang lehislatura – ang mga representante sa Camara og ang Senado – ang pinanday nga Bangsamoro Basic Law (Umaasa po ang ating pamahalaan sa pangunguna ng Pangulo na bibigyang daan o aaprubahan ng magkabilang sangay ng lehislatura—ang Camara de Representantes at ang Senado—ang inihain na draft Bangsamoro Basic Law),” ingon ni  Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., sa usa ka pakighinabi sa dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Tungod niini kini mosilbe isip susi sa pagpadayon og nilangkoban niini ang padayon nga proseso alang sa kalinaw nga mohatag og ubay ubay nga mga benepisyo og malahutayong kauswagan og pagpaayo sa mga pangiabuhian sa atong mga katawhan sa Kamindanawan (Dahil ito po ay magsisilbing susi sa pagpapatuloy at buong kaganapan ng itinataguyod po nating prosesong pangkapayapaan na magdudulot ng maraming benepisyo at pangmatagalang pag-unlad at pagbuti ng kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan sa Kamindanawan)," dugang pa niya.

Si Coloma miingon nga ang Palasyo dako bug-os ang paglaom nga ang Kongreso maminaw sa mga sentimyento sa publiko nga pabor sa pagmugna sa Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Sa dihang gipangutana kon ang mga magbabalaod moamendar sa pipila ka mga probisyon sa BBL, si Coloma miingon nga sila tahoron kay kini mao ang bahin sa lahislatibo nga proseso.

"Ang panawagan lang sa Presidente nga magpabilin ang pinaka tumong og substansiya sa gipanday nga BBL og dili lamang mopasa og usa ka watered down version. Apan giila nato ang katungod sa atoang mga magbabalaod nga mopasa sa gikinahanglan nga amendyahan, kung sa pagsabot nila nga kini makaayo sa balaod nga ilahang ipapasa, og katungdanan usab nila kana (Ang panawagan lang po ng Pangulo ay panatilihin ang buod at sustansya ng draft BBL at huwag naman po magpasa ng isang watered down version. Pero kinikilala po natin ang karapatan ng ating mga mambabatas na magsulong ng mga kinakailangang amyenda, kung sa inaakala nila na ito ay makakapagpabuti pa sa batas na kanilang ipapasa, at tungkulin naman po nila iyon)," sumala pa ni Coloma.

Kahibaloan nga ang gipanday nga Bangsamoro Basic Law, karon House Bill No. 4994, gisumite sa Kongreso atol sa seremonya nga gipahigayon sa Palasyo sa Malakanyang niadtonng Setyembre 10, 2014.

Sumapa pa sa taho nga ang Senado ug ang mga representate sa Kongreso kun House of Representatives parehong nagpahigayon og ilang tagsa-tagsa ka mga konsultasyon ug mga pangutana bahin sa Bangsamoro Basic Law. (NGBT/PIA/PIA-Surigao del Sur) 

Saturday, May 2, 2015

Cebuano News: DILG nanguna sa HIV/AIDS updates

Ni Mary Cheryl S. Monoy

BUTUAN CITY, Mayo 2 (PIA) - Gipangunahan sa Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ang Provincial Orientation on HIV and AIDS (Human Immuno Virus / Autoimmune Deficiency Syndrome) kaniadtong Abril 17, 2015 sa Provincial Training Center nga gitambungan sa mga Municipal Health Officers ug Punong Barangays.

Sumala ni April Rose Y. Serrondo, usa ka nurse sa Department of Health (DOH), basi sa datus kaniadtong January 2015, aduna nay 76 ka tao ang nasakit sa AIDS: 13 sa Agusan del Norte ug 63 sa Butuan City nga kasagaran anaa sa age bracket nga 15 – 24 anyos. Nahitala nga 18 anyos ang pinakabata ug 67 anyos ang pinakatiguwang nga adunay sakit niini. Napamatud-an usab nga kasagarang rason nganong nasakit niini ang usa ka tao mao ang Men having Sex with Men (MSM) kun mga huyang ug bisexual ug ang pag-share sa kontaminadong dagum nga gigamit sa droga.

Gituki usab sa maong panagtigom ang Republic Act 8504 o ang Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998. Matod pa sa maong balaod, gikinahanglan nga ang tanan makahibalo gayod kung unsa ang AIDS aron makahibalo usab kung unsaon paglikay niining maong sakit. Dugang pa, ginadili usab ang pagpataka og istorya kung ang tao adunay AIDS kay supak kini sa gitawag nga “Law of Medical Confidentiality.” Kung ang usa ka tao wala nagsaba sa iyang partner nga aduna siyay AIDS adisir sila nagpakasal, pwede ipa-annul sa iyang partner ang ilang kasal basi ani nga rason.

Gipaklaro usab nga importante ang mag-praktis og safe sex ug kinahanglan imo lang asawa o bana ang imong ka - partner. Hunongon na usab ang “promiscuous lifestyle” o ang pakighilawas sa lain-laing mga partner aron maluwas sa sakit nga AIDS.

Ang Agusan del Norte Provinical Hospital (ADNPH), Caraga Regional Hospital (CRH) ug ang Butuan Medical Center (BMC) ang functional hubs sa AIDS sa tibuok rehiyon. Libre ang tambal sa gobyerno alang sa HIV / AIDS nga mga pasyente sa tibuok nasod.

Ang Cabadbaran City, Jabonga ug Las Nieves lamang nga mga LGUs ang nag-activate sa ilang Local AIDS Council, busa, gi-awhag sa DOH ang uban pang mga LGUs nga mag-activate usab sa ilang Local AIDS Council.

Ang 17 ka rehiyon sa nasod adunay HIV/ AIDS nga kaso apan ang Cebu City maoy adunay pinakataas nga kaso sa AIDS nga 7.7%, gisundan sa Davao City nga adunay 5.0% ug sa Cagayan de Oro City nga adunay 4.7%.

Mitambong usab sa maong aktibidad sila PBM Rey G. Jamboy nga maoy SP tsirman sa Committee on Health and Nutrition uban ni PBM Elizabeth Marie R. Calo nga miyembro usab sa maong komite, DILG Provincial Dir. Romeo A. Solis, Dr. Elizabeth N. Campado – PHO – II ug Dr. Marilou O. Talan – PHO – I, Mayor Jasmin Monton sa Jabonga ug ubang mga bisita. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Friday, May 1, 2015

Major activities on Labor Day in SurSur bared

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, May 1 (PIA) – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) field office in Surigao del Sur bared on Wednesday the major activities it will spearhead on May 1, Labor Day.

Raymond Fel Sajor, DOLE field office chief, said the whole day affair to be held at the Season’s Park Appartelle, this city, includes the launching of the Philjobnet kiosk; awarding of certificate of accreditation to 41 establishments; and payment of checks to 90 TUPAD (Tulong Para sa Disadvantaged/Displaced) beneficiaries of the local government unit (LGU) of San Miguel amounting to a total of P241,200.

Meanwhile, Marcos Quico, provincial chief agriculturist and concurrent head of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) here assured to join with the DOLE in today’s celebration, citing a formal invitation.

The PESO has no separate activity to undertake, he clarified.

This year’s Labor Day celebration carries the theme “Disenting Trabaho at Kabuhayan, Alay Natin sa Bayan,” it was learned. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

AFP, PNP keep eye on “leftists” for possible protest rally in SurSur

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, May 1 (PIA) – Both army and police forces in Surigao del Sur are keeping a close eye on possible protest rallies in urbanized areas here in time for the Labor Day celebration.

However, based on latest development, no group has yet been known to have sought a permit from any local government unit (LGU) here for that purpose, it was learned.

Col. Isidro Purisima, army 402nd brigade commander, admitted to have monitored plans of some leftist groups, but indicated these organized individuals might also join hands with their counterparts outside of the province, citing Surigao City or Butuan City.

Among the five provinces of Caraga region, only Surigao del Sur is assigned to an army brigade as sole area of responsibility (AOR).

In a separate interview, P/SSupt. Narciso Verdadero, acting provincial director, issued almost the same statement.

He said indications of possible rallies have been noted but these have yet to take place, seeing as usual, both cities of Tandag and Bislig as probable venues.

It could also be possible that rallyists may join their counterparts outside of the province, Verdadero added.

No matter what, the provincial chief cop assured the PNP here has always been protective of public welfare aside from saying earlier that peace and order situation remains under control. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Thursday, April 30, 2015

PhilRice Agusan holds Palayabangan: The 10-5 Challenge

By Lacheln O. Rafallo

BUTUAN CITY, April 30 (PIA) – The Philippine Rice Research Institute Agusan Experiment Station (PhilRice Agusan) held the Annual Palayabangan: The 10-5 Challenge Field Day and Farmer’s Forum on Thursday, April 29 at Brgy. Basilisa, RT Romualdez, Agusan del Norte.

The 10-5 Challenge aims to raise the rice production standard to 10 tons per hectare yield at P5.00 input cost for every kilogram of Palay produced. The current average yield in the country is about 4 tons/ha while input cost is about P11.00/kg of Palay.

“As conceptualized by the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Integration to promote free trade between country members, the initiative also aims to provide opportunities for all players in the rice sector to show what they can do to improve the yield and production cost,” said Dr. Corsennie A. Mabayag, Senior Science Research Specialist of PhilRice Agusan.

“Palayabangan: The 10-5 Challenge supports the goal of the Food Staple Sufficiency Program of the country and the advocacies of the National Year of Rice to help increase the farmer’s productivity, make them globally competitive, and boost their morale,” Dr. Mabayag added.

The 4th Palayabangan Challenge reached its largest number of participants this year, as it is joined by nine agriculture-based establishments, namely: Bayer CropScience Inc., Agusan Greenfields Resources and Agrotech Corp., FMC Agricultural Solutions, NextGen Global Alliance Corp., Jeels Masagana Farm Supply, Texicon Agriventures Corp., Global Green Organic Fert. Inc., Syngenta Philippines, and SL Agritech Corporation. All participants were given opportunity to demonstrate products and technologies to the farmers.

“On 2014, participants of Palayabangan: The 10-5 Challenge reached the average yield of 6.9 tons/ha and an input cost of PhP 15.00-19.00. We are expecting improvement this year, with the mechanization of their farming methods,” Dr. Mabayag said. (PIA-Caraga)

Philippine Cold Chain Project brings Caraga’s Best to International Food Show

By Babes D. Tuso

BUTUAN CITY, April 30 (PIA) - The Philippine Cold Chain Project (PCCP) will be bringing Caraga’s Best to the International Food Exhibit (IFEX) on May 21-24, 2015 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

IFEX, otherwise known as Asia’s Ethnic Food and Ingredients Show, is a unique showcase of Asia’s ethnic and specialty foods, tropical fruits, vegetables, fresh sea foods, Halal-certified products, as well as natural, organic, and exotic food products. It responds to the growing preference for specialty foods in the international market, featuring culture-rich food products that are currently making waves in major supermarkets, gourmet food stores, and natural food retailers.

The event is considered as a strategic and significant route for trade ventures considering that Philippines is just a few hours away by air from all Southeast Asian megacities.

Among the Caraga’s Best products that will be showcased at the IFEX are processed foods from Create Food, Incorporated, JIDA Aqua Resources and Chen Marine Products, all endorsed food processors by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga region and certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Create Food, Incorporated is an organization of food processing companies in the region. JIDA Aqua Resources is a producer of deboned bangus and bottled bangus products. Chen Marine is processing frozen squid, shrimps, and cuttleflish.

Funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and implemented by Winrock International (WI), PCCP works to develop new and strengthen existing buyer-seller relationships. This is to encourage food processing businesses, trade association leadership and key farmer producers to participate in national and international events and trade shows to enable them to link with higher value markets.

IFEX is a biennial event sponsored by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

In support to Caraga’s Best products, PCCP sponsored the exhibit booth where these products will be displayed.

PCCP Marketing and Enterprise Development Specialist Leo F. Mendoza said that this endeavor is a support to food processors and PCCP-assisted producers in linking with higher value markets, promote Caraga products that conform to national and international food safety requirements, and enable Caraga food processors and producers to be updated on the market and product trends locally and internationally.

IFEX links global trade with the ONE ASEAN 2015, which makes IFEX a promising platform to optimize buyers’ one-stop sourcing activity of expansive and diversified product offerings of the rich ASEAN region.

Expected at this event are thousands of visitors from the Asia-Pacific, Oceania, Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Middle East.  Also coming to IFEX are over 600 food exporters from 35 countries and regions, more than 13,000 global buyers, at least USD600 million booked sales, and 16,230 square meters of exhibits. (PCCP/PIA-Caraga)

2015 CBMS census kicks-off this month in AgSur

By Annah Sharon G. Rosales

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Apr. 30 (PIA) - The provincial government of Agusan del Sur recently launched the 2015 community-based monitoring system – disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (CBMS-DRRCCA) census to assess the real situation of a community and frame up a realistic planning for the province.

The activity kicked-off on April 6 during the flag raising rites at the Naliyagan Cultural Center in Patin-ay, this town with its theme, “CBMS Census 2015, Apil Na! AgusanonIkawangNumero Uno!”

“Indeed, this CBMS will help us assess the real situation of a particular community in conformity with what is suited in that particular area. So I’m very happy that the updated result of this will surely help us in formulating and updating our provincial master plan,” said Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Hazel O. Del Rosalio of the province’s first district.

Sources said that the census, which ends on May 29 is spearheaded by the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) and the Provincial Information Management Office (PIMO).

According to PIMO report, a total of 396 Asus tablets installed with the CMBS application were distributed to every enumerator per barangay by the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) to be used during the conduct of the survey.

Fourteen server desktops were also given to the 13 municipalities and the lone City of Bayugan to be used by the municipal CBMS focal person as the data bank of information gathered by the enumerators and will serve as link to PGAS.

In an Equipment Loan Contract Agreement, which was signed between PGAS who represent as lender and owner of the equipment and the 13 towns and a city as borrower cited that the latter would take care, and control of the equipment.

The provincial government will provide three sets of uniform to include a sling for the tablet, ID, backpack, umbrella and cap to enumerators and supervisors.

According to 2015 CBMS census contract, the municipality who could submit a complete documents on the results of the survey within the duration of 40 working days will receive an incentive reward ranging from Php 100,000 for first prize, Php 75,000 for second place and Php 50,000 for third place.

According to PPDO, the incentive reward will help motivate the local government units to maintain the quality, reliability and completeness of the data collected as input to CBMS. It would also encourage the participants to conduct 100 percent coverage of household in their respective assigned areas.

The CBMS was adopted by the PGAS as a regular program since 2005 and to conduct survey every three years (2009 and 2012) to update the socio-economic data of every barangay.

The data would also become reference of the province in achieving the major objective of the province - to reduce poverty incidence by 13 percent from 39 percent in 2012 to 26 percent in 2016.

The census result will also be used in preparing and updating the master provincial plan including project implementation, impact monitoring, and formulation of evidence-based policies. (DMS/Provincial Public Information Office-Agusan Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

25 local producers undergo seminar on Trade Fair Promotion

By Rodrigo R. Matabaran

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Apr. 30 (PIA) - A total of 25 local producers here have learned the basic knowledge and understanding on how to participate in trade fairs and other related activities to promote and sell their products as they joined the Seminar on Trade Promotion conducted on April 21, 2015 at Jake Lou Food Hauz, Narciso Street, this city.

The seminar is in preparation for 2015 Balanghai Festival Edition of Buy Caraga By Caraga trade fair event that will be held at the Robinsons Mall, Butuan City on May 8-11, 2015, it was learned.

Buy Caraga By Caraga is an on-going market promotion program initiated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) aimed to help producers in local communities gain access to continually expanding market.

During the one-day activity, important inputs on the preparation of products, improving quality and designs as well as effective ways to negotiate with buyers were among the topics discussed.

Trade and Industry Specialist Eden Burnea and Senior Trade and Industry Specialist Annette Anduyan from DTI regional office were the resource persons of the said activity.

In his message, DTI Surigao del Norte provincial director Celestino L. Nagapatan encourages local entrepreneurs to display, promote and sell their products by joining this activity. 

He said that having their product exposed during this event can pave the way for them to tap the regional market of over two million people.

For those interested to join the 2015 Balanghai Festival Edition of Buy Caraga By Caraga trade fair, please contact the Department of Trade and Industry at the 2nd Floor, Simtoco Building, Burgos Street, this city or contact telephone number 826-2373 and look for Engr. Ma. Theresa Z. Calang, Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist of the Business Development Division. (SDR/DTI-Surigao delNorte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

6 remote villages in AgSur town avail potable water supply

By Maria Soccoro M. Vea

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Apr. 30 (PIA) - Residents in six far-flung barangays in Trento can now access to the P5.6 million worth potable water supply project under President Benigno Simeon Aquino’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) special project where the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) became one of the recipients.

Barangays Langkilaan, New Visayas, Pangyan, San Ignacio, Cuevas and Manat, all in Trento town were recipient of Rehabilitation of Spring Development (Water Supply System Level II) project funded by PAMANA – Department of Interior Local Government (DILG).

According to Armando Gomez, PAMANA point person of PGAS, Langkilaan got a funding of P1.5 million; New Visayas P1.3M; Pangyan P790,000; San Ignacio P680,000; Cuevas P630,000 and Manat P660,000.

Last month the PAMANA’s regional and provincial technical working group conducted a project inspection in these recipient six barangays and found out that all were 100 percent completed.

According to Trento Mayor Johnmark Billanes, for the longest time residents have suffered the lack of potable water supply but this time, all their agony was set aside.

“We are here to deliver services to our people. What we want in return is for you to have sense of ownership and protect the blessings that our national and local government have extended,” Governor Adolph Edward Plaza said, adding he is always ready to extend help for the Agusanons in order that every development programs will be equally shared by the people.

Plaza noted that although the development come so slow but it would surely reached to their communities in a given time.

Arlene Ann Sanchez, DILG provincial director, said this special project should be given proper management by the Barangay Water System Association (BAWASA).

She added that the BAWASA should be responsible for maintaining, regulating and organizing the system.  Sanchez emphasized that the water is filtered and examined, thus, safe for drinking.

According to Marcelino Escio, one of the beneficiaries, they have to walk for 100 meters before in order to fetch water from the river as their source of drinking water. Escio added that he is very thankful that the water supply became accessible in their area.

“My role is to represent the six barangays of Trento in expressing their appreciation for the projects undertaken in our municipality. With this, I expressed my heartfelt gratitude to the national and provincial governments and PAMANA program of the President,” said Mayor Billanes.

The Water Supply System Level II was realized through the PAMANA Program in partnership with provincial government of Agusan del Sur, DILG and the local government unit of Trento. (Provincial Public Information Office, Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

DOST chief visits Siargao Island

By John Glenn A. Platil

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Apr. 30 (PIA) – Department of Science and Technology (DOST) secretary Mario Montejo together with his undersecretaries and all regional directors arrived in Siargao Island on Apr. 22, this year, for a three-day Management Committee (ManCom) meeting held at Siargao Bleu Resort & Spa in General Luna, this province.

In his message Sec. Montejo declared his 100 percent support to the administration of governor Sol F. Matugas for all the science and technology-related projects in the province.

Also, Montejo backed the Coconut Production, which is the leading source of livelihood and profit of the islanders, especially the members of the peasant community. He also cited packaging of Siargao’s home-made items and best products.

Prior to the visit of Sec. Montejo and his team, governor Matugas convened the Team Capitol with respect to security arrangement in the island.

She also led the inspection at Cloud 9 for the realization of a 40-meter easement linking, involving and concerning the waters for the planned Cloud 9 Adventure Park and completion of the Sewerage Treatment Plan.

Montejo thanked gov. Matugas, cong. Francisco Matugas and Del Carmen mayor Alredo Coro, Jr. for the warm hospitality and gracious welcome that he and his party received while in Siargao. (SDR/PIC-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

BFAR-13 to lead Farmers’ and Fisherfolks' month celebration

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Apr. 30 (PIA) - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Caraga region will lead the month-long celebration of Farmers’ and Fisherfolks' on May 4, 2015.

The month-long celebration is anchored on the theme, “Mangingisdang Direktor para sa Matatag na Balikatan,” and is highlighted by the implementation of Fisherfolk Directorship Program pursuant to Department of Agriculture (DA) Special Order No. 88, series of 2005.

The fisherfolk directorship program will give due recognition and tribute to farmers and fiskehrfolks as partners of the government and to recognize their efforts as he country’s backbone in poverty alleviation and food security program.

The activity will kick off at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, May 4, 2015 with a grand motorcade around the city to be participated by the BFAR employees and staff, partner LGUs, fisherfolk representatives, agricultural technologists (ATs) involved in fisheries, representatives from the national line agencies and other stakeholders.

Right after the motorcade, the opening ceremony will follow and the official installation of this year’s Fisherfolk Regional Director to be held at the Gateway Hotel, this city.

To enable the newly installed fisherfolk director gets a warm welcome and shared his realistic plans and goals, and vision in the tenure of his directorship, a press conference will be conducted right after the installation ceremony with the invited media, both in print and broadcast. (SDR/BFAR-13/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

DOLE:  SurSur jail guards victimized by NPA atrocities to get aid from ECC

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, April 30 (PIA) – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Surigao del Sur assured all five jail guards, victimized recently by atrocities of the New People’s Army (NPA), of appropriate compensation from Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC).

Raymond Fel Sajor, DOLE provincial field office chief, said coordination between their office and the ECC has already been underway immediately after the unfortunate incident when Senior Officers 2 (SO2) Feliciano Polan and Juan Salazar, both provincial-employed guards as well as three others—Jail Officer 3 (JO3) Alfredo Galindo, JO1 Mardenver Balan, and JO1 Roger Sarvida were waylaid by an estimated hundred armed men believed to be NPA rebels on April 27 at around 7:45 a.m. in Barangay Amontay, Marihatag town,  50.5 kilometers, this city.

It can be recalled that all five were escorting two NPA-detainees—Jojean Alameda and Robert Rivas—on board the same BJMP vehicle on their way to a court hearing at the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 28 in Lianga, some 39.5 kilometers farther down south from the ambush site.

Reportedly, during the initial burst of gunfire, as the vehicle sped up upon sensing danger, three BJMP guards were hit—Galindo, Balan, and Sarvida including Rivas.

Luckily, both Polan and Salazar did not sustain any injury but were taken captives; Alameda, who was not also hit, was rescued by comrades in the process.

Sajor explained “any worker, regardless of employer—whether in government or in private sector, is provided a meaningful and appropriate compensation in the event of a work-related contingencies” through the ECC. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Butuan, Las Nieves schools readied for K to 12 classroom needs

BUTUAN CITY, April 29 (PIA) – Agusan del Norte First District solon eyes to narrow down classroom deficiency by 2015 in time for K-12 full implementation.

In the recent months, Rep. Lawrence 'Law' Fortun completed a series of turn-over of the newly-built classroom buildings for the city and Las Nieves. This is a response to the full-blown implementation of K-12 education system in the country, which is now on its 5th year.

Data from the Department of Education (DepEd), as cited in the Official Gazette, revealed that, of the 7,914 public high schools, DepEd identified 5,020 as potential Senior High Schools that are expected to accommodate 1.6M to 2.2M students. The remaining 800k to 1M students are expected to go to non-DepEd providers such as private high schools, private HEIs, SUCs and LUCs offering Senior High School.

DepEd expects 1.2M to 1.6M students from public high schools to enter Grade 11 in 2016 and 2017.

The expected retention of students in most high school institutions calls for the need to increase educational infrastructure and facilities. Fortun sees the effort to open sizable number of classroom buildings as a long-term support to elevating education, as well as an immediate response to drastic but inevitable demands brought by K-12 implementation.

On top of this, the Congress is also making an effort to increase allocation for hiring of new teachers. Collectively, these efforts have been reflected in the data coming the Department of Education, showing that since 2010 to 2014, DepEd has filled 128,055 new teacher items and constructed a total of 88,805 classrooms. (LAWig Katawhan/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

DA Caraga turns-over hand tractors to farmers

By Aurelius P. Arais

BUTUAN CITY, April 29 (PIA) - To empower farmers to become more productive, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga turned-over a total of 37 hand tractors with implements to various farmers associations last April 15, 2015.

In a simple ceremony held at DA Regional Integrated Agricultural Research Station in Brgy. Taguibo, this city, DA Caraga acting director Edna Mabeza appealed to the recipients to maintain the farm equipment and utilized it to the fullest.

“Among hangyo kung adunay mga madaut panahon sa inyong paggamit, pahibaw-a kami aron mapangitaan ug solusyon aron dili masayang (Our appeal is that if something goes wrong while using the equipment, just tell us so we can look for a solution so it won’t be in vain)," Mabeza emphasized.

Of the 37 hand tractors being turned-over, 29 units were under on 85:15 counter parting schemes wherein 85 percent of the amount was funded by the government while the remaining 15 percent was shouldered by the farmers association or cooperatives while the other eight units were on full grant.

Nineteen units goes to various farmers association or cooperatives in Agusan del Sur, nine units to Surigao del Sur, four units to Surigao del Norte, two units to Butuan City, two units to the Province of Dinagat Islands and one unit to Agusan del Norte.

Benhur Torreda, chairman of the Sto. Thomas ARB and Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative of Loreto, Agusan del Sur said that they are grateful to the government through DA for providing the needs of the farmers.

“Dako gyud ang among pasalamat kay mao ni ang among gidamgo nga among madawat (We are grateful because this is what we are dreaming of)," Torreda said.

Hand tractor is used for a faster and efficient preparation of the land before planting.

It was learned from Engr. Rene Morales, chief of the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division that more farm equipments are due to be turned-over to farmers association or cooperatives in the coming days in support to farm mechanization program. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

OWWA rolls in mobile IT training in Surigao Norte town

By Jean Mary Ronquillo

BUTUAN CITY, April 29 (PIA) - With its continuous drive to bring technology advancement to its clients in far-off municipalities of the region, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Welfare Office-13 rolled in Mobile Information Technology (IT) Training in Tubod, Surigao del Norte on April 21-25, 2015.

OWWA’s IT Training Program aims to provide the OFW families access to technology-based training intended to bridge the communication gap between the OFWs and their families and also upgrade their IT Skills for potential employment opportunities.

Seventeen members of Tubod OFWs and Dependents Association (TODA), mostly youth, availed of the five-day free IT training facilitated by OWWA IT Instructor Vincent Mahinay.

Mahinay presented seven IT training modules including basic computer fundamentals, Business Integrated Software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Digital Media Fundamentals.

During the graduation ceremony held on Saturday at the town’s executive function hall, OWWA-13 regional director Samuel Madrid bared that the agency exerted much effort to bring the technology in the municipality to make it more accessible for the OFW families in said area.

“We bring the technology closer so that you will not have the difficulty going to our training hall in Butuan City,” opined Madrid.

Joyce Hinacay, Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager, expressed her gratitude to the agency for bringing in the program for the advancement of OFW families in their municipality.

“We are really thankful for the conduct of this free IT training program here for the advantage of clients to save much from possible fare expenses going to Butuan City to enroll in the program,” conveyed Hinacay in local dialect.

Gladys Mae Paas, one of the participants, also extended appreciation to the agency for the learning that IT training has provided for them.

“Pasalamat jud ko kay daghan ko nakat-unan sa training especially pag-gamit sa Microsoft excel kay dili man gud tanan natudlo sa school (I really learned a lot in this training especially the use of Microsoft excel because not all of these were taught in school),” shared Paas.

Madrid likewise lauded the training graduates and urged them to use what they learned and to share it to others.

“Nakikita ko na napaka-interested ng inyong kabataan kasi napakalaking tulong po nito na magiging gabay sa kanilang pag-aaral at naway makatulong din ito sa inyong pang-araw-araw na panghanabuhay,” said Madrid.

He also commended the president of TODA OFW Family Circle for their active participation and hoped that the training only served as the start of many more undertakings of the organization to strengthen their group and later on becomes self-reliant, self-propelling and self-sustaining organization. (OWWA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Active dev’t partners express support to DSWD's 'Listahanan' project

By Maria Cecilia N. Sosas

BUTUAN CITY, April 29 (PIA) – In the upcoming second round family assessment, the Listahanan project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga is in action to disseminate information on the nationwide activity.

Recently, Listahanan conducted an orientation with the Sangguniang Bayan Members (SB), Municipal Social Welfare Development Officers (MSWDOs), Municipal Planning Development Officers (MPDOs), Barangay Officials, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the entire Caraga region.

Active partners expressed their commitment and support in helping the Department as the local verification committee during and after the assessment period.

“We will closely monitor and support the Listahanan project in this activity,” said MSWDO Editha L. Grana of Jabonga, Agusan del Norte.

“We also hope that all the residents, even those living in the far flung areas, in our municipality will be assessed,” she added.

Listahanan Deputy Regional Project Manager Nerisa T. Murih pointed out that the second round family assessment is very crucial. “Your role as Bantay, Gabay, Kaagapay, at Tulay, is a great help for us to achieve a high-quality database of poor families,” she said.

The Listahanan is a national government project implemented by the DSWD. It is an information management system that aims to establish a reliable database of poor families to be prioritized in the delivery of social protection programs and services of the Government. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)

DSWD Caraga trains 1,577 'Listahanan' field workers

By Maria Cecilia N. Sosas

BUTUAN CITY, April 29 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga has currently trained some 1,577 newly-hired field workers for the second round of the family assessment for the Listahanan project.

The newly-hired staff will be equipped through various capability trainings as area coordinators, area supervisors, enumerators, encoders, and verifiers for them to gather correct, accurate, and credible database of the poor families in Caraga.

In her inspirational message, DSWD-Caraga regional director Minda B. Brigoli stressed the importance of the functions and responsibilities in the nationwide second round family assessment.

“Welcome to DSWD family. Each of you is a hero of this historical event. Your output will determine the socio-economic of every Caraganons who will be identified poor. Be serious in this endeavor, work with all honesty and commit your heart because their future lies in your hands,” Brigoli articulated.

The purpose of said assessment is to update the database of poor families and also to provide a high-quality data to help our partners like the national government agencies and other stakeholders as basis for their social protection programs and services. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)

TESDA launches summer skills, livelihood training in Surigao Norte town

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Apr. 29 (PIA) - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) here has launched its summer program dubbed “TESDA Summer Skills and Livelihood Training” on April 27, 2015 at the town of Malimono, this province.

The TESDA Summer Skills and Livelihood Training is the newest effort of the provincial office to develop the skills of the youth from which they can earn and help their family, giving them better options in life and become a productive member of the society.

TESDA Surigao del Norte provincial director Allan S. Millan said during the launching that the skills and livelihood training is a series of training to be jointly undertaken by the local government units of the province, primarily aimed to improve livelihood in the community and bring the government’s social services closer to the people.

He said the project caters to out-of-school youth and adults who are willing to learn and acquire livelihood skills to augment their family income.

More than 200 youth and 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) beneficiaries will undergo a training on message therapy, shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), small engine and motorcycle mechanic, cellphone repair, table skirting, fish and meat processing, and baking from April 27 to May 27, 2015.

The one-month summer training is sponsored by the local government unit of Malimono in partnership with TESDA, Surigao del Norte College of Agriculture (SNCAT), Phil. Coconut Authority, Global Competency Based Training Center and the provincial government of Surigao del Norte under its HEALS Plus Program. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

DSWD creates hotline for 'Listahanan' Project

By Maria Cecilia N. Sosas

BUTUAN CITY, April 29 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga has created its own Hotline for its Listahanan Project to respond immediately to the issues and concerns of the general public in time with the second round family assessment.

Listahanan Regional Field Coordinator Aldie Mae A. Andoy is the point person in answering all the issues and concerns of the general public during the assessment period.

Andoy assured that possible issues and concerns that will be received by their office will be recorded properly and will be addressed appropriately.

For queries, issues and concerns just type Listahanan namelocation  tanong o reklamo and send to 0921-774-1896. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

95% of police hotlines, personal numbers of PNP officers regionwide are working

By Noel B. Najarro

BUTUAN CITY, April 28 (PIA) - Ninety-five percent of the almost three hundred police hotlines and personal numbers of the police officers (from the Regional Director down) are working, said a senior police official here on Friday.

Police Regional Office13 chief spokesperson PSupt. Martin M. Gamba said that he had tasked his personnel at the PRO 13 PIO since Wednesday to check on the PNP hotlines and personal numbers of the Police Regional Office 13 Headquarters, Provincial Police Offices, City Police Offices and police stations and the municipal police stations all over the region.

”It was found out that 95 percent so far of the police hotlines and personal number of the officials from our regional director down to the lower units and those of the support units all over the region are working. It is accessible for calling or texting to any person who are in emergency or in need of police assistance.  We need however to re-check the five percent and to ascertain why they seemed not to be working at the moment,” Gamba said.

He said the move was initiated by the Regional Tactical Operations Center (RTOC) which tasked the public information office to do the checking.

He said that it is to ensure that the police hotlines and personal numbers of the offices and officers concerned from the command group headed by the regional director, the directorial staff, the personal staff/support office, the national support units, the city, provincial and municipal police stations are working 100 percent in line with their program dubbed as “Text Information to the Police for a Speedy and Timely Emergency Response (T.I.P.S.T.E.R.),” Gamba said. (PNA/PIA-Caraga)

Butuan, AgNor youngsters finish skills training

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, April 28 (PIA) – More constituents from the province of Agusan del Norte have finished the skills training provided by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

This, after series of graduation exercises and toolkits distributions were conducted recently in different municipalities of the province.

A total of 667 trainees from the Butuan City Manpower Training Center (BCMTC) have received training certificate from the Agusan del Norte Provincial Office of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

During the recent graduation ceremony held at the city hall lobby here, TESDA-Agusan del Norte OIC-Provincial Dir. Emma R. de Villa has conferred upon the 15 graduates in the Heavy Equipment Operation (HEO)-Wheel Loader.

Another 15 trainees were conferred graduates in the HEO-Hydraulic Excavator, 16 for Massage Therapy NC II, 54 in the Basic Plumbing, 94 in the Basic Electrical Installation and Maintenance, 8 in the Basic Auto-Electrical and 45 in the Food Processing.

Under the Community-Based Training Program, a total of 56 trainees have graduated in the Siomai and Camote Making, 22 in the Burger Patties Making, 108 in the Body Massage, Soap Making – 31, Table Skirting – 52, Footwear Making – 21, Candle-making – 27, Floor wax making – 31, Nail Care Services – 48, and Chicharon Making – 24.

In her speech, Dir. De Villa pointed out that being a TESDA graduate means a lot. “This simply means that the skills you have acquired are world-class and can compete with other skilled workers around the globe,” De Villa said.

Meanwhile, trainees from the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF) and the Agusan del Norte Provincial Training Center were able to receive toolkits from TESDA Officials under the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP).

According to Dir. De Villa, the program was implemented thru the leadership of 2nd District Cong. Erlpe John M. Amante who has allocated some Php 3.5 million in 2014 to see to it that young people of Agusan del Norte will be equipped with necessary skills to be productive citizens in the community.

Dir. De Villa added the good Congressman has again allocated some Php 1-million for the program to be implemented this year.

Under this program, 97 trainees have graduated under the Install Wiring and Lighting Devices leading to Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II; 70 graduated in the Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC I; and 33 in the Gas Engine Tune-up leading to Automotive Servicing NC II. All graduates under this program have received toolkits from TESDA.

In a related development, 42 trainees in the Las Nieves Training Center in Brgy. Mat-i, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte have finished SMAW NC I and each received portable welding machine from Dir. De Villa.

In this municipality, the TWSP was implemented through the Congressional Office of Atty. Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun of the 1st District of Agusan del Norte covering Butuan City and Las Nieves. (TESDA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

DA taps media to bolster farm mechanization campaign

By Daisy C. Cabigayan

BUTUAN CITY, April 28 (PIA) - The Department of Agriculture (DA) RFO XII together with the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development Mechanization (PhilMech) met the local media here to boost the campaign on Farm Mechanization held at Goat2Geder Hotel and Restaurant, this city.

Dr. Rodolfo P. Estigoy, Science Research Specialist and Chief of Applied Communication Division of PhilMech, said that Farm Mechanization is a new way of helping the farmers in producing higher yield with the help of newly invented technologies. “Mechanization can increase yield, lower the labor cost, reduce losses, and if it reduce losses therefore it increase rice availability and affordability,” Estigoy said.

To fully brief the media, Dr. Estigoy presented videos about “Agrinovations.”

“These new innovations are system’s approach invented by PhilMech and made especially for the farmers to make farm activities easier,” he added.

“Agrinovations” are important tools that improve farm production especially from the time of planting their crops, during harvest and post-harvest period.

Machineries in “Agrinovations” include: Mini-Combine Harvester; Rice Transplanter; Compact Corn mill; Cassava Digger; Ten-row Onion Planter; Brown rice Huller and; Belt-Dryer for Granulated Cassava.

In support to farm mechanization, DA turned-over 53 units of floating tillers to the various farmers’ associations in the different municipalities regionwide. Additional 37 hand tractors with implements were also distributed to other farmer associations who were next in line beneficiaries. The said intervention is aimed to boost and sustain the rice production in Caraga Region.

DA-RFO 13 acting director III Nicandro M. Navia Jr. thanked the media for being active partners of the department in disseminating information.

To promote and encourage farmers to adopt the use of mechanized farm equipments, a week-long Farm Mechanization Caravan followed after the media briefing. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

DTI notes price decrease of milk products

By Rodrigo R. Matabaran

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Apr. 28 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here noted a decrease in the prices of milk products as per recent monitoring conducted from April 14-15, 2015.

DTI Price Monitoring Officer Lourdes A. Chua said that Alaska Powdered Milk 150ml had reduced from PhP45.15 to PhP44.15, Birch Tree Full Cream Milk 150gm from PhP58.10 to PhP57.10 and Bear Brand 150gm from PhP51.00 to PhP50.00. 

The price reduction is equivalent to about 1.72 percent to 1.96 percent over the prices monitored the second week of March.

Also, two major retail establishments namely, Absolute Traders, Inc. and TT & Company pulled out from their shelves a number of CDO canned meat products that had exceeded the suggested retail prices (SRP). (SDR/DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

DSWD 4Ps in SurSur produces 37 valedictorians

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Apr. 28 (PIA) - Around 37 students in Surigao del Sur benefiting under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) graduated valedictorians.

In a report presented by Meiraflor Cabigon, provincial link officer of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Provincial Operation Office based in this city, that out of 90 valedictorians regionwide, 37 of them are from the province of Surigao del Sur.

Cabigon said that the province of Dinagat islands has 19 student-beneficiaries followed by Agusan del Norte with 16 students, Agusan del Sur with 12 students and six students from Surigao del Norte.

For students with honors, out of 931 in Caraga, still the province of Surigao del Sur led among the other provinces regionwide with 289 students. It was followed by the province of Agusan del Sur with 248 students, Agusan del Norte with 187 students, province of Dinagat islands with 113 students and Surigao del Norte with 94 students.

For students with awards, Caraga has recorded a total of 78 students where 41 students are from Agusan del Norte; 16 from Agusan del Sur; 14 from Surigao del Sur; five from Surigao del Norte and two from Dinagat Islands.

Cabigon also revealed that the province of Agusan del Sur has the most number of 4Ps household beneficiaries in the region. (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

DAR’s Credit Program helps AgNor farmers finance rice production

By Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY, April 28 (PIA) - The Department of Agrarian Reform in Agusan del Norte through the Agrarian Production Credit Program (DAR-APCP) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) provided with a total of P3.1 million for rice production covering an area of 99 hectares to 61 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in Agusan del Norte in 2014. This was disclosed by OIC-Chief of Program Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD) Raul Hermoso during the discussion of the 2014 accomplishment.

The said recipients composed of two groups are New Generation Organic Farmers Producers Cooperative (NGOFPC) and Taguibo IPM Irrigators Association, Inc. in Los Angeles, Taguibo, Sumilihon and Sto. Nino Agrarian Reform Community (LATASS ARC).

Rita Gerbolingo, farmer-beneficiary who tilled the 2.75 hectares of land said, “mapasalamaton gayod ako kay barato ang interest diin moresulta kini sa dako nga kita sa pagpanguma (I am thankful because aside from low interest, my income in farming has expanded)."

“Thanks to credit assistance of DAR, some of the farmers' needs are now met,” Gerbolingo added.

LBP Lending Department Manager Engr. Jimmy P. Arco said that APCP intended only for ARBs indorsed by DAR whose loan amount availed by each ARB depends on the total hectare of awarded land under land distribution program of DAR.

The Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP) is the convergence initiative of DAR, Department of Agriculture (DA) and Land Bank of the Philippines to pool resources and expertise to help ARBs in credit, with insurance package in partnership with the Philippines Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) leading to boost farmers economic advancement. (DAR-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Cebuano News: Gobyerno misaad sa pagpanalipod sa katungod sa mga trabahante

SURIGAO DEL SUR, Abril 28 (PIA) - Ang gobyerno magpadayon sa pagpanalipod sa mga katungod sa mga trabahante, subay sa gilagda sa Batakang Balaod, sumala pa sa opisyal sa Makanyang kagahapon, adlaw nga Lunes.

Sa pamulong ni Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda sa usa ka press briefing siya mitumbok nga ang kalambuan sa Bureau of Labor Standards maoy kabahin sa mga pagpanigkamot sa gobyerno nga mopalambo sa kahimtang sa mga mamumuo sa nasud.

Si Secretary Lacierda miingon nga sumala sa Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), ang gidaghanon sa mga welga sa kada tuig gilimitahan lamang nga dili mokbat sa 10 kon ubos pa niini.

Siya usab miingon sa 159 ka notisya sa welga nga gipasaka sa miaging tuig, duha lamang ang giduso niini.

Sumala pa ni Lacierda, mao kini ang resulta sa pagpanigkamot sa DOLE sa pagpatuman sa Single Entry Approach, diin ang “labor cases” mosubay sa prosesong 30-day conciliation-mediation period.

"Kami gusto nga mahimong mag-uban sa pag-uswag ug sa ingon nga kami gusto nga ang mga negosyo molambo aron nga makapangempleyado kini og mga trabahante, kami usab nahibalo ug naghunahuna sa ilang mga panginahanglan aron sa pagsiguro nga ang kahimtang sa atong mga mamumuo, sa atong mga empleyado usab mapalambo ug mapanalipdan. Magpadayon kita sa pagbuhat niana. Among tumong niini: Kami buot nga molantaw sa mga mamumuo og mga tigdumala isip kabahin sa pagpalambo, dili ingon nga mga kaaway, (We would like to be partners in progress and as much as we'd like the businesses to thrive so that we can employ more workers, we are also very consciously aware and mindful of their need to make sure that the plight of our laborers, our employees are also amply enhanced and protected. So we continue to do that. Our position is that: We would like to see labor and management as partners in progress, not as adversaries)," si Lacierda miingon.

Sa dihang gipangutana sa pagkomentaryo kabahin sa taho nga ang Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) mohunong sa paghupot og mga dayalogo uban ang gobyerno, si Lacierda nagkanayon nga "kita magpadayon sa paghimo sa bisan unsa nga sektor nga andam maminaw kanato (we will continue to engage any sector that is willing to listen to us)."

"Kami kanunay nga nakigpulong ngadto sa TUCP. Adunay pipila ka mga isyu nga gihisgutan uban sa Secretary sa Labor ug kita padayon nga mohisgot niaana. Tingali, ang uban niana dili mao sa ilang bug-os nga katagbawan, apan kita sa pagkatinuod mitubag sa ubay-ubay’ng isyu, kon dili man, sa mga isyu nga ilang gipatigbabaw, ug kami magpadayon sa pagbuhat sa ingon (We have always spoken to TUCP. There are certain issues that have been discussed with the Secretary of Labor and we continue to discuss those things. Perhaps, some of them may not be to their entire satisfaction but we have certainly addressed a number, if not most, of the issues that they have raised; and we will continue to do so), " siya miingon.

"Kita sa kanunay makig-istorya sa mga tawo nga gusto nga mohisgot sa mga butang uban kanato. Apan kon sila dili, kini mao ang atong obligasyon sa pagpadayon sa pagpakigbisog alang niini ug sa pagpanalipod sa mga katungod sa atong mga mamumuo. Kana ang obligasyon nga gimando sa konstitusyon. Nakakantar kana sa Konstitusyon. Kini mao ang atong trabaho isip mga sakop sa nasyonal nga panggamhanan nga mohatag og proteksyon sa atong mga trabahante (We always talk to people who would like to discuss matters with us. But if they chose not to, it is our obligation to continue to fight for it and protect the rights of our workers. That is a constitutionally mandated obligation. It is in the Constitution. It is our job as members of the national government to provide protection for our workers),” dugang pa sa opisyal sa Palasyo.

Samtang ang mga nasud-aw sa umaabot nga selebrasyon sa “Labor Day” sa Mayo 1, si Lacierda milaum sa mas maayo nga pakigrelasyon sa mga nagkadaiyang sektor, diin siya miingon nga gikinahanglan ang pagtinabangay alang sa kaayohan sa nasud. (NGBT/PND/PIA-Surigao del Sur)