DILG-Caraga trains LGUs on planning, dev’t projects implementation
By
Ednon John E. Aparicio
BUTUAN
CITY, Nov. 23 - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) –
Caraga recently conducted a training on Enhancing Local Government Units’
(LGUs) Capacity on Planning and Implementation of Local Development Projects
held here.
The
three-day activity was participated in by the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC)
chairpersons, municipal planning and development coordinators (MPDCs),
municipal engineers and civil society organization (CSO) representatives from
45 local government units of the five provinces of Caraga Region.
In
her opening message, DILG Caraga Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion said
the “27 years after the passage of the Local Government Code, it has been
observed that the LGUs are still lacking with the necessary competency in the
implementation and managing of the projects being given to them.
"Through
the tool developed by the Local Government Academy which was administered to
our LGUs in a Focus Group Discussion, it was identified that most are still
lacking in the necessary capacity in the areas of project identification and
development; project procurement and contract management; project
implementation and management; and project sustainability planning," she
added.
Famacion
also said that it was a unique training because they have tailor-fitted it
according to the gaps identified through the tool and the resource speakers
have been carefully selected to really address these gaps.
The
first day of the capacity development intervention banked on carefully selected
modules about project identification and development with the technical experts
from DILG-Caraga as resources speakers on some modules.
Engr.
Mark Obani and Local Government Capability Development Division Assistant Chief
Cherry Vitor gave a discussion on Tips on Project Identification and Gender
Responsive Proposal.
Moreover,
Local Resource Institute partners from the Philippine University Mindanao,
Prof, Cornelio L. Labao Jr., and Dr. Elvira V. Chua gave a detailed
presentation on what is a project, the project cycle, and the logical
framework. Also, Supervising EDS Graziella C. Harting from NEDA-Caraga wrapped
up the first day with a discussion on project development.
A
revisit on the 2016 Revised IRR of the R.A. 9184, otherwise known as the
Government Procurement Reform Act, was conducted in the morning of the second
day of the activity.
Because
of the many issues related to procurement, the participants were clustered in
half so as to substantially address their concerns on the matter.
Chief
Budget and Management Officer Carlito P. Leyson of DBM-Caraga served as the
resource speaker for the participants from the provinces of Dinagat Islands and
Surigao del Norte, while Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr.
Florife O. Urbiztondo from Surigao del Sur State University served as the
resource speaker for the participants from the provinces of Agusan del Norte,
Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Sur.
During
a plenary in the afternoon, topics related to R.A. 9184 was tackled by Atty.
Anthony P. Vitor of Kitcharao-Jabonga Municipal Circuit Trial Court. He also
discussed the topics on project procurement and contract management.
After
which, DMO Emily M. Gatillo and Engr. Jesreel B. YaΓ±ez from the DILG Regional
Project and Development and Management Unit (RPDMU) gave a presentation on the
results of the Project Monitoring Committee Survey and the ‘how-tos’ of
organizing a functional Project Monitoring Team.
As
a closing module for the day, DILG-Butuan City Director Charissa T. Guerta
introduced the concept of Peace Development Zone (PDZ) which is the program of
the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC).
On
the third and last day of the training, community development officer Ednon
John E. Aparicio gave a short briefer on the salient features of the DILG MC
2018-89 or the “Guidelines on Engagements with Civil Society Organizations.”
It
is the latest issuance from the department requiring CSOs who wish to engage in
the implementation of DILG programs, projects and activities to be accredited
or certified.
Meanwhile,
Engr. Jojo A. Serenado, team leader of RPDMU tackled the basics of
Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation.
The
highlight of the third day was the detailed presentation of Dr. Raquel M.
Balanay of Caraga State University on Project Sustainability Planning and the
alignment of Sustainable Development Goals.
“It
is not enough that LGUs and even other project implementers to just devise a
way to produce a project, they should see to it that the project is sustainable
– that it will not be a dead investment rather one that truly creates
benefits,” said Balanay.
DILG-Caraga
Assistant Regional Director Donald A. Seronay also urged the participants to
translate the lessons they learned into more effective and efficient
implementation of the projects in their respective LGUs. (DILG-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
DAR project to open access road in Surigao Norte town
By
Joie Ceballos
BUTUAN
CITY, Nov. 23 - The Project Convergence on Value Chain Enhancement for Rural
Growth and Empowerment (Project ConVERGE) will open access from the national
highway to Sitio Sohoton in Barangay Mabini, Placer, Surigao del Norte.
This
after officials of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) held the groundbreaking
ceremony for the 2.1 km farm-to-market road last November 17, 2018.
“The
road opening will facilitate access to the farmers in the area, especially
those engaged in the coconet enterprise," says DAR Regional Director
Leomides Villareal.
Project
ConVERGE supports the coconet enterprise in the CLAGIBAPLA area covering
agrarian reform community clusters in the municipalities of Claver, Gigaquit,
Bacuag and Placer, all in Surigao del Norte.
According
to Surigao Norte Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II Elizabeth de Guzman, the
road project will benefit approximately agrarian reform beneficiaries and
smallholder farmers in the area.
Villareal
furthers said this endeavor is still part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s thrust
of improving the lives of the farmers in the countryside.
The
ground-breaking ceremony which was attended by Placer Mayor Michael Jose
PatiΓ±o, Project converge National Project Director Faisar Mambuay, and the IFAD
Mission Team composed of Management Consultant Gomer Tumbali, Rural
Infrastructure Consultant Engr. Ike Payumo, Carmina Marquez of IFAD-USA and Mark
Gatdula of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and was part
of the major activities during the Project Midterm Review Mission conducted by
IFAD.
Also
during the mission, twining machines provided by the project were checked.
The
midterm review mission aims not only to assess the progress but also to review
policies relating to implementation.
Under
Project ConVERGE, agrarian reform beneficiaries and smallholder farmers in the
CLAGIBAPLA area are provided support through the Coconet and Bio Fertilizer
Enterprise.
Earlier,
the mission also visited the project site and conducted dialogue with the lead
and participating organizations and other major key enterprise farmers of the
abaca project in Agusan de del Norte.
Project
ConVERGE is implemented by the DAR and jointly funded by the IFAD until 2021. (DAR-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
259 Caraga cops undergo annual physical examination
BUTUAN
CITY, Nov. 23 -- A total of 259 cops assigned in the different police units in
Caraga underwent the Annual Physical Examination, Wednesday morning.
Chief
Supt. Gilberto DC Cruz, Regional Director of Philippine National Police (PNP)
Caraga, led the annual check-up for police personnel at the PNP hospital in
Brgy. Libertad, Butuan City.
The
physical examination is a mandatory test every year for PNP personnel aged 40
and above in consonance with the PNP regular fitness program.
“It
is important for us to determine whether we are physically fit or we need
medications. Not only that our uniforms are snappy but also we must be
physically fit and capable to perform law enforcement functions,” RD Cruz said.
The
region’s top cop also urged the police officers to engage in athletic
activities or sports and maintain a proper diet to be physically fit.
(PNP-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
3 Butuan enterprises are new Bagwis awardees
BUTUAN
CITY, Nov. 23 - With the awarding of three new certified establishments with
the Bronze Bagwis seal and the leveling up of one to a Silver Seal, the
province of Agusan del Norte including this city now have a total of 52 Bagwis
Seal awardees.
The
three newest additions to the existing 38 Bronze level that were recognized on
October 30 include the L. Orongan Enterprises, Recon Trading and North-Min Auto
Dealership.
The
former bronze seal awardee which now joins the 13 Silver seal holders in the
province is Villahermosa Shoppers.
Of
the total number, one has been given the Gold Seal, which is the highest level
given to Sharp Philippines.
As
Bagwis awardees or the so-called certified establishments are stores that have
been evaluated to uphold the rights of consumers, implement good business
practices and give customers best value for money.
The
awarding ceremony was one of the highlights during the regional culmination of
the Consumer Welfare Month recently held at the Robinsons Place Atrium Butuan.
(DTI-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
Caraganons urged to avail free
surgical mission
BUTUAN
CITY, Nov. 23 - Patients from the different parts of Caraga region are
encouraged to avail of the Free Harelip, Cleft Palate and Goiter Surgical
Mission at the Holy Child Colleges of Butuan Hospital, Guingona Subd., Butuan
City on November 27-30, 2018.
The
surgical mission will be conducted by the Maharlika Charity Foundation, Inc. of
Davao City in cooperation with Smile Train International.
The
operation will be free of charge including the doctor’s fee, medicines, snacks
and meals which are all sourced out from the local sponsors.
On
the other hand, police provincial offices and municipal police stations in
Caraga are tapped by the foundation to help identify patients especially those
who belong to the Indigenous Peoples (IP) community and less fortunate
families.
PNP
Caraga director Chief Supt Gilberto DC Cruz, has ordered the police units to
disseminate the upcoming surgical mission to the communities and coordinate
with the local government units for the transportation of the patients.
(PNP-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
Over 400
Lumads in SurSur town benefit free basic services
By
Nida Grace P. Barcena
SAN
MIGUEL, Surigao del Sur, Nov. 23 (PIA) – More than 400 Lumads from the upper
communities of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur have benefitted from the free basic
services offered by the different stakeholders during the conduct of the Peace
Caravan spearheaded by the Local Government Unit of San Miguel in partnership
with the 36 Infantry “Valor” Battalion (36IB) held on Nov. 19, 2018 in Barangay
Bitaugan.
The
local folks who joined the event availed free medical, and dental services with
free medicines, vegetable seeds and Falcata seedlings.
They
also received food packs and benefited Porridge Feeding, and free haircut
during the event.
With
the theme “Panaghiusa Para sa Kalinaw Ipatigbabaw” (Uphold unity for peace),
Civil Military Operation (CMO) Officer Captain Francisco Garello Jr. said the
Peace Caravan was derived from the concept of bringing the message of peace and
the government closer to the people.
“It
anchors on the principle of peace by presenting the government interventions
through the delivery of basic services to include information education
campaign, and the community dialogues to address peace and security issues,”
said Capt. Garello.
Also, Lt. Colonel Xerxes Trinidad,
commanding officer of the 36IB, said the activity conducted was a response to
address peace and security concerns in the area. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Agusan Norte to create PESO
By
Aimee B. Sienes
BUTUAN
CITY, Nov. 23 - The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Agusan del Norte created
the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in the province of Agusan del Norte
through Provincial Ordinance No. 502-2018
in a regular session held on October 23, 2018.
This
is one of the priority legislative measures of the SP as part of the
Legislative Agenda, resulting from discussions during a consultative meeting
conducted by the Committee on Human Resource Development, Labor and Employment,
chaired by Provincial Board Member Virgilio R. EscasiΓ±as, Jr.
Based
on the study conducted by the committee, it was known that the establishment of
a labor market information infrastructure in the province of Agusan del Norte
can be more efficient and effective in providing employment services to
facilitate the meeting of demand and supply for skills and reduce the
transaction cost of information on available skills and jobs.
Provincial
Board Member EscasiΓ±as said that the PESO shall ensure prompt, timely and
efficient delivery of employment services to the constituents of the province.
This
is also in line with Republic Act No. 10691, otherwise known as the PESO Act of
1999, mandating the establishment of PESO in all provinces, cities and
municipalities that will serve as an extension arm of the Department of Labor
and Employment (DOLE) in all its labor and employment assistance programs and
activities.
PESO
will focus on labor and market information, referral and job placement,
counseling to job seekers on the current labor market situation, conduct job
fairs and other programs and services to put in place the employment services
in the province.
Said
ordinance was authored by EscasiΓ±as, together with Provincial Board Members
Aquino W. Gambe and Elizabeth Marie R. Calo. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
DICT urged to upgrade internet services in AgNor
By
Aimee B. Sienes
BUTUAN
CITY, Nov. 23 - The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte recently
requested the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to
facilitate the immediate upgrading of the internet services in the province for
easy access and prompt access of the constituents.
This
move was pushed by Provincial Board Member Lorito Q. MaragaΓ±as, chairperson of
the Committee on Energy, Transportation, Communication and Information,
considering it as one of the priority measures of the committee under the
Legislative Agenda of the SP.
During
the committee consultation, it was known that the country has internet
providers that have speeds of at least 100 Mbps in the likes of PLDT, Globe,
Smart Telecommunications, Converge ICT, Sky Cable, Planet Cable, PT&T,
Eastern Communications and Rise.
In
comparison, in Japan, a Japanese internet service provider has begun offering
broadband plans with 2Gbps downloads and 1Gbps uploads to residents in Tokyo
and six surrounding districts that makes the service provider the world's
fastest for commercial internet.
However,
in the province of Agusan del Norte, the most common internet providers have a
slow internet connection.
Provincial
Board Member MaragaΓ±as said one of the mandates of DICT is to establish a free
internet service that can be accessed in government offices and public areas
using the most cost-effective telecommunications technology, through a
partnership with private service providers as may be necessary.
He
added that to improve the economic, social and educational opportunities in the
province and provide efficient and effective internet infrastructure and
information systems to the public, there is a need to maintain sustainability
and viability of the faster wifi internet access service.
As
to Countryside Development, the DICT is also required to assist, guide and
support ICT-related activities and initiatives for countryside economic
development; and promote and assist LGUs and local stakeholders in developing
specialized ICT-enabled investments areas by providing technical and
industry-calibrated assistance in the use of ICT for the enhancement of key
public services, development and promotion of local arts and culture, tourism,
digital literacy, and talent development.
Said request was approved through
Provincial Resolution No. 352-2018, authored by MaragaΓ±as the 105th regular
session of the SP. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
Tagalog News: Mga magsasaka ng Agusan del Norte nagpasalamat sa
KaPALAYapaan project
By
Nora L. Molde
BUENAVISTA,
Agusan del Norte, Nobyembre 23 (PIA) -- Malaki ang pasasalamat ng mga magsasaka
ng barangay Guinabsan, Buenavista sa probinsya ng Agusan del Norte sa tulong na
dulot ng KaPALAYapaan project.
Sa
ginanap na ceremonial harvest, napatunayan ni Pilipine Geldore, 68 gulang at
isa sa 16 na magsasakang naniwala sa KaPALAYapaan at nabigyan ng tulong
teknikal at financial, ayon kay Pilipine, ang KaPALAYapaan ay nagdulot ng
malaking financial relief sa kanilang mga magsasaka.
Dagdag
pa ni Pilipine, ito ay napatunayan dahil kahit naranasan ang El Nino phenomenon
o kakulangan ng tubig sa kanilang mga pananim hindi masyadong apektado ang ani
nito.
Malaki
ang pasalamat ni Pilipine kay governor Angel Amante-Matba sa financial na
tulong ng probisya, sa Philippine Army sa walang sawang gabay mula sa pagtanim
hanghang ito ay anihin at kay Dodong
Lauzon na siyang nagpakilala ng teknolohiya sa kanila at nakarating ito sa
kanilang barangay.
Matatandaaan
na ang Guinabsan farmers ay ang unang grupo ng mga magsasaka upang mabigyan ng
katuparan ang KaPALAYapaan sa probinsya.
Ayon
din kay governor Matba, malaki ang tulong ng teknolohiya, kaya’t hinikayat niya
ang mga magsasaka na gamitin ito upang maiangat ang kanilang mga buhay at
magkaroon ng masaganang ani dulot ng KaPALAYapaan.
Si governor Matba na rin ang bumili ng
mga palay na galing sa unang KaPALAYapaan project ng probinsya. (NCLM, PIA-Agusan del Norte)
