Valorian troopers to lead 2nd ‘KANINhawaan’ feast
day
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Oct. 5 (PIA) – The
36th Infantry “Valor” Battalion (36IB) of the Philippine Army headed by Lt.
Col. Xerxes Trinidad is all set for the celebration of the 2nd “KANINhawaan”
feast day on Oct. 10, 2017 to be held at the Multipurpose Hall, Barangay Lindoy
in Tago town this province.
The said event is the outcome of the successful
implementation of the Valorian troopers’ initiative program dubbed as “Project
kaPALAYapaan,” which means there is a peace in rice farming.
In partnership with the local government unit of
Tago and Marihatag and the provincial government of Surigao del Sur, through
the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, the Valorian troopers
conceptualized the project during the time of Lt. Col. Randolph Rojas in order
to address the perennial problem of the farmers.
The project introduced modern customary farming by
using organic fertilizer to resolve the farmers concern on high cost, low yield
farm production.
Good Harvest Company Chief Executive Officer
Ignacio Lauzon introduced the organic farming method and proposed that the
municipality of Tago be the pilot area, considering that it is one of the rice
producing towns in the province.
The project was first implemented in June 2016 with
the support of various stakeholders. (NGPBarcena/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
PhilRice showcases R4D projects during farmers’
field day in Agusan
By Nora C. Lanuza-Molde 
REMEDIOS T. ROMUALDEZ, Agusan del Norte, Oct. 5
(PIA) – The Philippine Rice (PhilRice) Research Institute Agusan del Norte
Experimentation Station will showcase different Rice Science for Development
(R4D) projects during the Farmers’ Field Day and Forum (Lakbay Palay) on
October 12.
According to PhilRice Branch Director Abner T.
Montecalvo, more than 1,000 farmers and other stakeholders from different
provinces in Mindanao will be participate during the event to be held in
Barangay Basilisa, in the municipality of Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR).
“We are hoping to have Department of Agriculture
(DA) Secretary Emmanuel F. PiΓ±ol as our keynote speaker. The annual gathering
will feature a field tour to the various R4D projects, demonstration areas,
different farming technologies and the Farmers’ Forum,” said Montecalvo.
This year’s event is anchored on the theme
“Teknolohiya + Negosyo = #Bongga!” (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
IFAD to fund four municipalities in AgNor under DAR
Project ConVERGE
By Gil E. Miranda
BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 5 – The Department of Agrarian
Reform (DAR) in Agusan del Norte and the International Fund for Agricultural
Development (IFAD) combined resources to implement the Convergence on Value
Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment Project (CONVERGE) in four
municipalities of Tubay, Jabonga, Kitcharao and Santiago, (TUJAKITSAN) Cluster.
The proponents are the San Isidro Upland Farmers
Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SIUFMULCO) and twenty-one (21) Peoples’
Organizations (POs,) which are engaged in the production of high quality abaca
fibers within the cluster of TUJAKITSAN.
The project allotted about P21 million for the
procurement of 27 units of portable abaca stripping machines, production of
abaca in 700 hectares of land and for the procurement of a 10-wheeler hauling
truck.
In partnership with the Philippine Fiber Industry
Development Authority (PhilFIDA), several activities were programmed through
the last quarter of 2017. With the introduction of new technologies, this
project aims to increase the capacity of the organizations to produce abaca.
Other major project in the pipeline is the
farm-to-market road (FMR), which will be implemented in 2018. A total of P33
million has been allotted for the rehabilitation of the 5-kilometer
farm-to-market road in Santiago, from NRJ Poblacion 2 to Cadahondahonan.
Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Andre
B. Atega, CESO V, disclosed that the local government of Santiago already
formulated its counterpart and the Detailed Design and Program of Works
(DD/POW) is still on-going.
Atega said that the department is intensifying its
efforts to increase the income of abaca farmers by at least thirty percent.
IFAD Project Managing Consultant Gomer G. Tumbali
added that in line with the government’s sustainable development goal, this
project aims to increase agricultural productivity and promote the welfare and
development of farmers.
“The project is expected to reduce poverty in
TUJAKITSAN ARC by engaging the farmer-groups in value chain-based agricultural
processes for abaca production in the area,” Tumbali added. (NCLM/DAR-Agusan
del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
Presidential chopper rescues wounded soldier

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur, Oct. 5 – The recent
clash between the Community Support team of Bravo Company, 26th Infantry
Battalion and Guerilla Front Committee 88 (GF88) of the New People’s Army (NPA)
brought two contrasting realities in the persistent insurgency problem in the
country.
This was pointed out by the Army’s 401st Brigade
Commander, Col. Andres Centino during the press briefing held recently at the
headquarters of 26IB in Talacogon, this province, where he narrated that while
he exhausted all means to extricate one wounded Army personnel, the NPAs
callously left two of their members to die in the mountains.
Exercising operational control of 26IB, Centino
ensured the safety of the wounded personnel by requesting Higher Headquarters
of the Army for a night capable aircraft. The Presidential Helicopter Unit
under the Presidential Security Group (PSG) was able to successfully save the
Army personnel on September 29, about 10 hours after the gun battle.
Unfortunately, two NPA members were later
discovered left obviously for dead through the reports of civilians. Centino
said that the NPA leaders should bear responsibility for this insensitive and
heartless neglect on their part. “The NPA rank and file should realize this
kind of consequence in their undeserving adventure,” he added.
The encounter resulted to six high-powered firearms
recovered, with one improvised explosive device (IED), subversive documents and
personal items secured. (26IB Phil. Army/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Building bridges, deeper relationships the
Kalahi-CIDSS way
By Joana Rica P. Millama & Marko Davey D. Reyes
A concrete footbridge in Sitio Maapod, Cabacungan,
Barobo, Surigao del Sur.
A bumpy, rocky, 48 minutes ride along one of the
coastal barangays in Barobo, Surigao del Sur brings to a humble fishing community
blessed with tall falcata and coconut trees. But amidst the façade of a scenic
and calm community, at the end of the long rollercoaster ride lies a story of
challenges and hope.
Sitio Maapod, one of the oldest barrios in Barangay
Cabacungan, had long been experiencing discomfort due to lack of
infrastructural amenities in their far-flung abode. But for the community,
there was a turn-around when in 2013, the Department of Social Welfare and
Development’s (DSWD’s) Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and
Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) was introduced in the
area; a ray of hope beamed for the community and the Barangay Local Government
Unit (BLGU). Slowly the ray of hope turned to bigger realities and strengthened
relationships. The community enjoyed four good years under the program which
led to four sub-projects for the barangay.
Punong Barangay Helario V. Curada, recalls, “Upat
na ka-proyekto ang among nadawat gikan sa Kalahi-CIDSS. Ako mapasalamaton nga
dako gayud ang kausaban sa mga recipients. Una, mautro gayud ang panginabuhian,
sa tubig nga dili na sila mahago [ug kabo], sa daycare centers nga kumpleto
gayud ug pasilidad ug komportable ang mga kabataan sailang pagtuon. Pero ang
pinakaimportante ug pinakadako nga impact gayud sa tanan mao kining concrete
footbridge nga mao ang exit ug entrance sa mga tawo diri sa Sitio Maapod (We
received four projects from Kalahi-CIDSS and I am so thankful because a lot
really changed. First, the lifestyle changed, the water is already accessible
that it is not difficult for them to fetch; the daycare centers are built with
complete facilities and comfortable enough for the pupils to study. But the
most important and biggest impact of all is the concrete footbridge which
serves as the entrance and exit of the residents here in Sitio Maapod).”
Curada still vividly recalls their situation before
the construction of the 58-linear meter concrete footbridge. First, when it was
low tide, residents were forced to cross the river since the boats could not
dock. This caused injury to the residents, especially that there are sharp
objects on the riverbanks. Second, residents had to pay double; they had to go
to the Poblacion since they will have to take the habal-habal then transfer to
a “bangka” (boat) to cross the river.
Lastly, Curada witnessed the hardwork of every
community volunteer in realizing the said project – from the identification of
their needs, attendance in general assemblies and meetings, and preparation of
important documents just to show how badly they wanted to own their dream
footbridge and end their long-time agony with the construction and completion
of the community sub-project.
This was attested by Anita Lobo, the Barangay
Sub-Project Management Committee (BSPMC) Chairperson when she emotionally
shared their challenges as residents in the remote sitio. “Grabe gayud kalisod
sa amung kahimtang. Sauna, baruto ra ang amung sakyan na wala pa ang tulay.
Maglisod gayud ug tabok ang mga tiguwang, PWDs ug labi na ang mga buntis (Our
situation was really hard. Before, without the bridge, we only rode boats. It
was hard for the senior citizens, PWDs, and especially the pregnant women to
cross),” she said.
Their miseries turned into gladness as
Kalahi-CIDSS’ community-driven development (CDD) approach was introduced to the
community. The CDD strategy was an instrument which gave the community access
to decision-making for the realization of their needs. This led to the
empowerment of the citizens by enabling them to implement their community
sub-project.
“Daghan gayud na mga pagsulay ug kabalaka ang
naagian nako sama sa mga kaubanan na gahiay ug ulo kay dili magpakita sa mga
seminars tungod sa mga pasumangil, pero ako nalang paningkamutan na ako ang
mutambong ug ako nalang ipasabot sa ila ang mga buhaton pagkahuman (There were
many challenges that I experienced, such as co-members who do not attend in
seminars, but I strive to attend and just convey the things that need to be
done after),” Anita said.
Anita also mentioned that some of the members were
almost on the point of giving up, but she stood still and held on hoping that
the program will resolve their problem.
Their hardships were turned to joyous tears when
the 3.2M-worth footbridge with 41-linear meter hand laid rock embankment was
successfully inaugurated early in September 2017.
Indeed, in the midst of slender discouragements
coupled with anxieties, the once humble sitio now stands firm in building
bridges and deeper relationships; ensuring that the next generations will no
longer have to face the challenges they have been through. (FEA/JPG/DSWD-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
Carmen, SurSur LGUs, communities converge in DSWD
Kalahi-CIDSS facilitated Talakayan
By April Mae N. Waban & Marko Davey D. Reyes
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Oct. 5 – Around 200
people gathered and filled the Carmen Municipal Gymnasium for the Department of
Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Kapit-Bisig Laban sa
Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services’
(Kalahi-CIDSS’) Municipal Talakayan.
Barangay/Municipal Local Government Unit (B/MLGU)
officials, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS volunteers
as well as non-volunteers converged in the venue for the event dubbed as: “Panaghisgot-hisgot
2017: Tulay sa Pagkab-ot sa Kalambuan para sa Umaabot.”
DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS Caraga Monitoring and Evaluation
(M&E) officers and Sub-Regional Program Management Office (SRPMO) staff,
along with the Area Coordinating Team (ACT) of Carmen, in partnership with the
Foundation for the Development of Agusanons, Inc. (FDAI) facilitated the said
activity.
Designed as an evaluation tool to measure overall
progress of areas implementing Kalahi-CIDSS sub-projects,the Municipal
Talakayan is an avenue for local stakeholders to engage in an organized
municipal-level dialogue to tackle and assess development status of the
municipality, with the aid of different data gathered from the comprehensive
reports on Kalahi-CIDSS project implementation and local governance management
performance.
Municipal Mayor Jane Plaza in her welcome remarks,
expressed her gratitude to the attendees. She also encouraged them to
participate in the activity in order to enhance their awareness of their
municipality’s development situation, in line with their efforts to achieve
their development vision.
“I would like to stress the importance of an
empowered community. That is why we are here, that is why all of you from the
community are invited, because we want also to know if the projects that we
have been implementing and even the projects that we are planning and will be
prioritizing will fit or will fill in the gaps that we see when we crafted the
vision. This is a good venue where we are able to look at where we are now. This
is to determine if our actions are still anchored to that vision,” Plaza said.
Lucy Herbolingo-Arpilleda, DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS
M&E officer for Database, also emphasized the significance of the Municipal
Talakayan in improving local governance, with the use of information generated
from the activity.
“One of the main objectives of this activity is to
see if the identified needs in the barangay level coincide with the
municipal-level. This will help ensure that the programs and services that will
be included in the crafting of the municipal development plan will be more
responsive to the needs of the people,” Arpilleda said.
The event had elaborate presentations of the
following: municipal profile and development status, development needs,
interventions and gaps, and municipal agenda. It also included a gallery walk
and focus group discussions (FGDs), and concluded with synthesis and evaluation
of the Municipal Talakayan. (FEA/JPG/ Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office
Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
Siargao pilots Cuban polyclinic model
By John Glenn A. Platil
SURIGAO CITY, Oct. 5 (PIA) – The Service Delivery
Network: Philippine Adaptation of the Cuban Healthcare Model was officially
launched in Pilar, Surigao del Norte.
In her message, Department of Health (DOH)
Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial recognized the need for ordinary civilians to avail
of free consultation in order to minimize the influx of sick patients.
“In Cuba, prevention is better than cure. Everyone
has to undergo annual check-up. I firmly believe that we can replicate it here
in the Philippines, if only we have the determination and the strong will to do
it. President Duterte aspires for the health care system under his
administration to be accessible to all Filipinos,” said Ubial.
Ubial added that right after the oath-taking of
President Rodrigo Duterte, she was directed to fly to Cuba to learn the best
practices in its universally-acclaimed Polyclinic Model.
Vice Governor Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr. also affirmed
that despite the many challenges that they are facing with, government leaders
never stop chasing their goals to provide quality health care services for all.
“From the commencement of this endeavor, we’ve been
optimistic that the replication of project based on the Cuban Health System
will benefit our province. Surigao del Norte is rich with natural resources but
is still on its continuing battle against poverty, and this project will surely
go a long way by keeping our people healthy, making them more productive,” said
Egay.
Meanwhile, Surigao del Norte 1st district
representative Francisco Jose ‘Bingo’ Matugas II assured everyone of his full
support to the meaningful undertaking. He also congratulated the people of
Pilar for being the pilot center of the Cuban Polyclinic Model.
Ubial signed the pledge of support, together with
Assistant Secretary Leonita Gorgolon, Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag,
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Secretary Kadil Sinolinding, other
top officials and guests and leading practitioners from the medical community.
Pilar Mayor Ma. Liza Resurreccion expressed her
gratitude for this opportunity as this will be of great help to the locals. (PGO-SDN/PIA-Surigao
del Norte)
US-PHL partnership advances learning outcomes
BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 5 – T he United States (US)
government, through the US Embassy in the Philippines’ United States Agency for
International Development (USAID), in partnership with Synergeia Foundation,
gathered nearly 400 leaders from local governments, schools, and the private
sector to share their best practices in education governance during the 11th
National Education Summit on September 28 to 29.
Topics on community engagement, budgeting,
partnerships, and decentralization of basic education were discussed.
The summit was a part of USAID’s five-year, P430M
Education Governance Effectiveness (EdGE) project that supports the
Philippines’ goal of improving learning outcomes in the early grades.
“At USAID, we believe that education serves as a
driver for development and the elimination of extreme poverty. Education is
transformational for individuals and societies. It also creates pathways to
better health, economic growth, a sustainable environment, and peaceful,
democratic societies,” said USAID Mission Director Lawrence Hardy II in his
message on the second day of the summit.
At the end of the summit, USAID and Synergeia
awarded the Seal of Good Education Governance to 24 local governments for
demonstrating remarkable commitment to improving education governance. The
children in their respective regions have achieved higher scores in the
National Achievement Test (NAT), and student attendance has increased. As a
result, more children are now expected to complete primary school.
The winners of the Seal are: Santol and Bacnotan,
La Union; Diadi, Solano and Villaverde, Nueva Vizcaya; Diffun, Quirino;
Alimodan, Cabatuan, Concepcion, Lambunao, Miag-ao and Mina, Iloilo; Dao and
Ivisan, Capiz; Argao, Balamban and Dalaguete, Cebu; Bongao and Simunul,
Tawi-Tawi; Datu Paglas and North Upi, Maguindanao; Cagayan de Oro, Misamis
Oriental; Tuba, Benguet, and Valenzuela City. (U.S. Embassy/PIA-Caraga)
