Caraga
region records decrease in human trafficking victims
By
Venus L. Garcia
BUTUAN
CITY, July 26 (PIA) – The intensified advocacy campaign on anti-trafficking in
persons (TIP) in Caraga region has resulted a significant decrease in the
number of rescued victims of trafficking from 36 individuals in 2016 to 10
individuals only in 2017, both during the 1st semester of the year.
“The
decrease of the rescued victims signifies the awareness and rise in
consciousness of people as a result of the massive information campaign
conducted by the police force, partners line agencies, members of the Regional
Inter-agency Committee against TIP and Violence against Women and Children
(RIACAT-VAWC), and other advocates in our locality,” underscored PSupt Martin
Gamba, chief public information officer of Philippine National Police-13 during
a press conference on World Day against Trafficking in Persons held Tuesday in
the city.
He
also revealed that related to TIP incidents, the number of suspects apprehended
has increased from 35 suspects in the 1st semester of 2016 to 52 suspects in
same semester of 2017.
“The
increase in apprehensions is a clear manifestation of the community’s active
cooperation and contribution in achieving our efficiency in conducting
operations against TIP,” said Gamba.
According
to Atty. Clementino Rabor of Department of Justice Caraga, this is also
indicative to the awareness of the local government units on the occurrence of
TIP in their community.
Rabor,
further said that through community involvement and collaborative efforts of
partner stakeholders, detection of possible trafficking incidents will be
easier. He added that a holistic approach is undertaken in addressing the TIP
in the region.
Human
trafficking is one of the most pervasive human rights violations which continue
to soar as to its data and effects. Although accordingly, everyone could be
possibly victimized by this massive global phenomenon, it still targets mostly
the vulnerable sectors like women and children. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)
Valorian
troopers to celebrate 43rd founding anniv on August 1
By
Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG
CITY, Surigao del Sur, July 26 (PIA) – The 36 Infantry (Valor) Battalion, 4th
Infantry Division, Philippine Army is set to celebrate its 43rd founding
anniversary on August 1, 2017, to be held at the battalion headquarters in
Barangay Dayo-an, Tago, Surigao del Sur.
This
year's theme is “36IB: Strengthening Our Commitments to Serve and Securing the
Filipino People, Intensifying Partnerships, Changes Lives.”
According
to 36IB spokesperson Captain Al Anthony Pueblas, several activities have
already been conducted earlier this month, which included: opening of the
sports fest last July 10; mangrove planting in Tago town last July 14 with
partner stakeholders; 2-day mass feeding and the “Libreng Serbisyo with TESDA”
held at Cayale Elementary School in Tago town and Mabuhay Elementary School in
Tandag City on July 20-21, respectively.
On
July 22, a coastal cleanup activity was conducted along the coast of Mabua
Beach in the city and Tago Bridge in Tago town, Pueblas added.
During
the anniversary day on August 1, 2017, a mass wedding ceremony is scheduled
followed by the founding anniversary program where partner stakeholders are set
to be recognized. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Butuan
Christian group to spearhead ecumenical prayer for peace in Mindanao
By
Regal C. Oribia
BUTUAN
CITY, July 26 (PIA) - The Ophir Care Missions Philippines Inc., a
non-government organization, in partnership with the Diocese of Butuan and
local evangelical churches will be spearheading an ecumenical prayer for peace
in Mindanao on Monday, July 31, 2017, at the Carmen Hall, Almont Inland Resort,
this city.
The
activity is a sequel to the prayer gathering done in Cagayan de Oro City
recently to answer the need for prayers for the Marawi City crisis.
According
to Ophir Care Missions Philippines Inc. president Pastor Nolan O. Lloren, the
objective of this event is to show their heartfelt concern over the crisis of
the nation and to express the passionate contribution to the rehabilitation and
development of the entire Mindanao islands.
The
event is anchored on the theme, “Prayer for peace, reconciliation, healing,
solidarity and unity.”
Said
activity will be highlighted with a pledge of commitment and a covenant signing
of the following: support the troops; participate in the rehabilitation of
Marawi City in any means; promote love, peace, security and unity in Mindanao
starting in Caraga region; resist all forms of crime against humanity; and help
build and develop MIndanao starting in every community in the region.
(RCO/PIA-Caraga)
Agusan
Norte ready for breeder stocks from DA
By
Aimee B. Sienes
BUTUAN
CITY, July 26 - The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga Region is set to give
breeder stocks intended for the province of Agusan del Norte.
.Just
recently, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan authorized Provincial Governor Ma.
Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with
the DA through Sanggunian Resolution No. 159-2017, authored by Provincial Board
Member Virgilio R. EscasiΓ±as, Jr., chairman of the Committee on Cooperative,
Community Organizations, Agrarian Reform, Agriculture and Indigenous People’s
Concern.
According
to Board Member EscasiΓ±as, which studied the merits of the breeder stocks
program, the provincial government of Agusan del Norte through the Provincial
Veterinary Office shall receive as breeders stocks for the province the
following: two beehive colony; 10 heads swine (one head boar and nine heads
gilt); five heads heifer; and five heads caraheifer.
EscasiΓ±as
added that the DA will also give 33 heads cattle (three heads bull and 30 heads
heifer) and 33 heads carabaos (three heads carabull and 30 heads caraheifer) as
breeding stocks for the indigenous peoples in the province.
The
provincial government and the DA-Caraga Regional Office recognized the
importance of the participation of the private and government breeding farms in
the production of livestocks forecasted as sources of stocks for backyard
farming and the need for a comprehensive small ruminant genetic improvement
program to improve and develop productivity and efficiency of the local stocks
in the province as well as in the Caraga Region.
The
DA-Caraga is currently implementing the Genetic Improvement Program (GIP) that
supports the National Genetic Resource Improvement Program for the
establishment of a sustainable Livestock and Poultry Multiplier Farm Projects
(MFP) that aims to establish strategic areas in the country for multiflier
farms for deserving recipients. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
News
Feature: 650 OFWs, families, partners join 22nd Migrant Workers Day in Caraga
BUTUAN
CITY, July 26 - Around 652 participants composed of the migrant workers or
OFWs, their families and relatives, government and social partners, service
providers, recruitment agencies, and as well as the working force celebrated
the 22nd Migrant Workers Day for Caraga Region at the Claver Municipal
Multi-purpose Convention Hall in Claver, Surigao del Norte recently.
Overseas
Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) administrator Hans Leo Cacdac, in his
message, emphasized how the agency continually develops and enhances its
programs and services to meet the needs of its member OFWs, both active and
inactive. “Dito po sa OWWA, layunin naming lalo pa kaming mapalapit sa inyo at
lalo pang maging relevant, accessible ang mga programa namin para po sa inyo,”
said Cacdac.
Moreover,
Claver Municipal Mayor Eddie P. Gokiangkee took time to extend his gratitude to
the Migrant Workers for the great positive impact that they contribute to the
economy. “I am thankful to our OFWs who have kept our economy vibrant. It is
beyond fitting to earmark a day to express our appreciation to them,"
Mayor Gokiangkee said.
Among
the desires of the activity is to bring the services of both public and private
sector closer and easily accessible to the participants. OWWA Caraga Regional
Director Samuel S. Madrid acknowledged the support of the network of government
agencies who work hand-in-hand in the promotion of the welfare of OFWs.
PhilHealth, Social Security System, Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG),
Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Development Bank
of the Philippines- Claver Branch were given booths and a slot during the
program to advocate their programs and services.
Other
social partners who have contributed to the success of the celebration were the
members of the Caraga Association of Recruitment Agencies (CARA), Pru Life UK,
Camella Homes, Philippine Group Metals Corporation (PGMC), Hyundai Motors,
Nature’s Spring, Pepsi Cola Corporation and Paymaya.
Meanwhile,
PhilHealth, a constant partner of the agency in all its institutionalized
events initiated a trivia of their programs and services with giveaways at
stake. Ruelan Enterprises, B-MEG, and San Miguel spearheaded the parlor games
which tested out the competitiveness and energy of the participants. Surely, it
pays to participate in the games because a number of cash prizes were given to the
energetic winners. The activity brought much laughter and fun to the OFWs and
even the sponsors altogether.
A
dance competition was originally organized for the activity, but the OFW Family
Circles were not able to send their entries since most of them are working. It
did not, however, hamper the chance of the only group who prepared enough to
showcase their talents. The OFC of Tagana-an, with their Muslim inspired
outfits complete with beautifully designed props, danced the Pinoy Ako, Pinoy
Tayo, a household song for all of us Pinoys. They automatically got the first
prize and was hailed the 22nd Migrant Workers Day dance contest winner.
All
of the participants were delightful as they took home their prizes prompted by
the outpouring support of both the government and social partners who added up
to the already exciting prizes prepared by OWWA. The numerous giveaways
including loads of household goods, home appliances and two bicycles that were
given away left the crowd ecstatic during the conduct of the activity
Still
true to the wholistic goal of the celebration, a community dance was led by the
OWWA staff in the newly-hyped tune of Despacito. All the participants from the
youngsters to the elderly swayed their hips like they have never before. Even
the social partners and government agencies shared the same excitement and
participated in the exercise that kept them lively especially during noon time.
While
enjoying the many activities being done, a simultaneous Pampering Booth: foot
massage, manicure, and pedicure was also provided to the participants who
wanted to relax and have a me-time for free. Freebies were also given by the
social partners to those who shopped in the booths.
In
the end, no participant went home empty handed. Although not all of them
brought home prizes, all of them enjoyed and took home with them giveaways, the
fun-filled memory of camaraderie, the joy of importance and a cheerful heart
ever so excited for the OFW Family Day in December and have another chance of
winning more gifts. (JPIM, OWWA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
PNP
Caraga to hold 'ImbestigaTour 2017'
BUTUAN
CITY, July 26 - As part of the simultaneous cascading of Directorate for
Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) priorities, the Caraga Police
Regional Investigation and Detective Management will conduct a three-day
seminar dubbed as “ImbestigaTour 2017”
towards a better investigative service on July 26-28, 2017.
Police
Regional Office (PRO) Caraga regional director PCSupt. Rolando Felix said the
seminar is aimed at enhancing the skills of police officers in the field of
investigation, follow-up, tracking of cases, and the use of technology.
“On
our efforts to improve the competency of Caraga Police force, specifically in
the field of investigation, this activity will hasten our pursuit of a more
peaceful and a safer Caraga,” Felix added.
A
total of 140 participants from different Caraga police offices, regional crime
laboratory, and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group will attend this
3-day activity which will highlight refresher workshops on Report Encoding,
Event Reporting commonly known as E-Blotter, Crime Information Reporting and
Analysis System (CIRAS) and tutorial on Quantum Geographic Information System,
E-Rouge and Overview on E-Subpoena.
PCSupt.
Eric Serafin G Reyes, Deputy Director for DIDM, will grace the event, it was learned.
(PNP-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
