Thursday, September 13, 2018

Caraga core group inks MOU to enhance human rights situation

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 13 (PIA) –  Human rights advocates led by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Wednesday aimed at addressing the issues and concerns on human rights violations as well as on security, peace and development concerns in the region.

Witnessed by the local media partners, the MOU signing was led by the members of the Community-Based Dialogue (CBD) Core Group at the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga regional office in Butuan City.

CHR-Caraga regional director lawyer Jerefe Tubigon-Bacang said the goal of the CBD Core Group is mainly to contribute to the improvement of the human rights situation in the Philippines primarily through the enhancement of the relationship between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) and local communities and civil society organizations in the common effort to promote human rights.

Bacang added that the CBD Core Group was already presented during the recent Regional Development Council-Development Administration Committee (RDC-DAC) Meeting and has endorsed CBD to RDC to be one of the mechanisms that will address the human rights violations, security, and peace and development issues and concerns in Caraga region.

Meanwhile, 401st Brigade commander BGen. Andres Centino said that constant communication among stakeholders is important and with the CBD Core Group, issues and concerns on human rights violations as well as on peace and security will be thoroughly discussed and will be given appropriate responses.

“We should take away our biases and individual prejudices and promote the welfare of the vulnerable, minority sector,” he said.

BGen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, 402nd Brigade commander, also underlined that the Philippine Army does not only protect the lives of the people, but also promotes their welfare.

“Respect for human rights and rule of law have been an imperative of the Philippine Army. With the Community-Based Dialogue Core Group comprising various government agencies and civil society organizations, we welcome community visits and fact-finding mission in the region,” he added.

Also, NEDA Caraga regional director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño said that development is a human rights dimension and NEDA is one with the other members that would want to ensure that commitments for the welfare of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable sectors are delivered.

Meantime, Concepcion Asis of the People Power Volunteers for Reform (PPVR) said that the challenge now is to bring forth the sincerity of the CBD Core Group to the different communities and show them that the group is willing and ready to assist and address the issues and concerns of the stakeholders.

The members of the CBD Core Group in Caraga region include the 401st Brigade and 402nd Brigade of the Phil. Army, PNP, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), NEDA; Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen, Lanuza Baywatch Association Inc., PPVR, and CHR Caraga. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DOH 13 holds 'La Fiesta Pelicula' competition

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 13 (PIA) – With the aim to develop and raise community awareness and to provide information through the involvement of students in Caraga region, the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga region will hold an integrated healthy lifestyle advocacy awareness competition entitled “La Fiesta Pelicula."

According to DOH Caraga assistant regional director Dr. Gerna Manatad, the "La Fiesta Pelicula" will involve Senior High School students of the region.

It is an infomercial making contest or a video clip making competition that will focus on the four themes, these include Global Handwashing Day, World Toilet Day, World Blood Donor Day/Voluntary Blood Donation and Prevention of Kidney-related Diseases or Taking Good Care of Your Kidneys.

The National Voluntary Blood Donation (NVBD) Category is open to all professional video editors in the region.

The video clip should be in 30 seconds material and should encourage eligible blood donors to donate blood freely or demonstrate a blood donor’s selfless act to be a hero and help others.

Winners will receive Php20,000 for the 1stprize, Php15,000 for the 2nd prize, Php10,000 for the 3rd prize, and Php3,000 for consolation with a maximum of five listed infomercials only.

For the Global Handwashing Day (GHD) Category, entries should be in 15 seconds only and should encourage school age children to regularly wash hands to avoid diseases (e.g. Before and after meals, before and after toilet use), where the winners will receive Php8,000, Php5,000, Php3,000, and Php2,000 for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and consolation (maximum of three short listed infomercials only), respectively.

On the other hand, the video material for the World Toilet Day (WTD) Category should be in 15 seconds and should encourage school age children to use the toilet regularly and avoid defecation in public to avoid diseases, where the  winners will also receive Php8,000 (1st); Php5,000 (2nd); Php3,000 (3rd); and Php2,000 for the consolation prize(maximum of three short listed infomercials only).

The category on the Taking Good Care of Your Kidneys (TGCYK) should also be in 15 seconds only and should encourage school age children to adapt healthy lifestyle practices to avoid kidney-related diseases (e.g. avoid junk foods, eat healthy, drink water regularly) and the winners will receive Php8,000 for the 1st prize; Php5,000 for the 2nd prize; Php3,000 for the 3rd prize; and Php2,000 for consolation with a maximum of three listed infomercials only.

Submission of entries will be on September 27 to 28, 2018 only and the video clip must be submitted at dohroxiiipu@gmail.com with the following details: SUBJECT: LA FIESTA NVBD/GHD/WTD/TGCYK; your Name; Address; Contact Number; and attach resume of produced infomercials/films, joined competition/s.

The list of winners in the competition will be posted at http://www.facebook.com/ caraga.doh.gov.ph. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

Bislig City to host 3rd Organic Asia Congress

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Sept. 13 (PIA) – The city government of Bislig is all set to host the 3rd Organic Asia Congress (OAC) on September 18 to 21, 2018 to be held here.

With this year’s theme, “One Big Family For Innovation and Sustainability,” this annual event is organized by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements in Asia (IFOAM Asia) with the support of the local government units in Asia. It is also an annual gathering of IFOAM Asia affiliates, including Asian Local Governments of Organic Agriculture (ALGOA) members, and their partners in Asia to discuss and share the developments in the organic sector in the region.

The OAC will work to institutionalize the mechanisms of enhanced cooperation, which will move forward organic food systems and consumption across Asia, it was learned.

The host organic city of Bislig led by City Mayor Librado Navaro is now ready to welcome both foreign and local participants, delegates and guests for the upcoming series of activities.

“Our journey towards organic agriculture started last 2015 with its vision to be the 'model city for organic agriculture in the Philippines by 2020.' We are on halfway towards the attainment of its vision,” Mayor Librado said.

Mayor Librado also urged not only the Bisliganons but the whole province of Surigao del Sur to join them in their journey.

Meanwhile, based on the program of activities released, the Organic Youth Forum is set on September 16 to 18 to be held at the Surigao del Sur I Electric Cooperative, Inc. hall; the 6th Asian Organic Rice Conference and ALGOA Philippines Member's Forum will be on September 18, and the highlight of the event - the 3rd OAC is set on September 19 to 21, 2018.

Other activities include Pre-Forum Tours and Organic Trade Fair on September 18 to 21.

Presently, Bislig City has its own City Organic Agri-Fishery Complex (COAFC), a 27-hectare facility for Organic Agriculture Education, Training, and Research. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Pisay Caraga scholars bring home medals

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 13 (PIA) – Team Philippines A from Philippine Science High School – Caraga region Campus (PSHS-CRC) finished fourth in the recently concluded 7th ASEAN+3 Junior Science Odyssey (APT-JSO) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The team,  that brought pride to the nation, is composed of three scholars namely Krystil Maureen A. Tupas, Grade 10; Jo Dee B. Salise, Grade 10; and Shaina Delia G. Tomaneng, Grade 9 with their coach, Jay Maique.

Of the 19 teams that joined in the annual competition, Maique is very thankful for getting it to the 4th place.

They received Gold Medals in the Great Science Quest, Silver Medals in the Great Science Ideas, and another Silver Medals in the Great Science Pitch.

The team also won in the Most Liked Video on the Great Science Ideas, Maique said.

The competition was joined by the different ASEAN+3 countries, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Republic of Korea.

The ASEAN Plus Three Junior Science Odyssey (APT JSO) is an annual educational event in the field of science and technology for the young students aged between 13 to 15 year.

The event is designed specifically to develop the gifted and talented young individuals in the field of science and technology and to nurture future scientists and engineers.

This year, the competition focused on the theme: Good Health and Societal Wellbeing.

According to Maique, the competition also made the Philippines regain its victory, after two years by being the Overall Champion for this year’s APT JSO competition. Philippine Team B from PSHS – Soccsksargen Region Campus made it on top. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

Buyawanong Placer Cultural Group wins in Bonok-Bonok Festival 2018

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Sept. 13 (PIA) - The Buyawanong Placer Cultural Group from the municipality of Placer, Surigao del Norte was declared as champion in the Bonok-Bonok Festival of Festivals (BFF) while Mat-i National High School (MNHS) of Barangay Mat-i, Surigao City was proclaimed grand winner in the Bonok-Bonok Based category (BB) in the recently concluded 34th Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival held at the Provincial Sports Complex, this city.

In this year’s competition, the Buyawanong Placer Cultural Group (BFF) and MNHS (BB) contingents brought with them Php500,000 plus trophy as their winning prize.

The Sumayajaw nan Clementians - C.V. Diez Memorial Central Elementary School (BB) and Mt. Sioan Academy of Gingoog City (BFF) Barangay Anomar were declared 1st runner-up with Php350,000 cash prize plus trophy and the 2nd runner-up went to Surigao City National High School Special Program for the Arts (BB) and Kulturang Capalaynon Performing Arts of Barangay Capalayan, Surigao City (BFF) with Php200,000 cash prize plus trophy.

The special awards for Rayna ng Bonok-Bonok went to Buyawanong Placer Cultural Group,  Best in Contingent ID went to Lipata Elementary School in coordination with Lipata National High School, Best in Costume went to Sumayajaw nan Clementians – C.V Diez Central Elem. School (BB) and Buyawanong Placer Cultural Group (BFF), Best in Street Dancing went to Sumayajaw nan Clemetians – C.V Diez Central Elem. School (BB) and Buyawanong Placer Cultural Group (BFF), for Best in Choreography went to Buyawanong Placer Cultural Group (BB) and Mat-I National High School (BFF), and for Best in Musicality the 1st place went to Buyawanong Placer Cultural Group, 2nd place went to Mt. Sioan Academy of Gingoog City and 3rd place went to Kulturang Capalaynon Performing Arts.

In his message during the opening of the competition, Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Laurence “Bong” Go lauded the officials of the city and province for the successful celebration.

He assured the Surigaonons that the government under the leadership of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is always at the service of the Filipino. (Susil D. Ragas/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Tagalog News: SAP Go sinigurong mapabilis ang proyektong pang-imprastraktura sa Surigao del Norte

By Venus L. Garcia

LUNGSOD NG SURIGAO, Setyembre 13 (PIA) -- Sa kanyang pagdalo sa selebrasyon ng 34th Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival dito sa lungsod ng Surigao kamakailan, naging mainit ang pagtanggap ng mga Surigaonon kay special assistant to the president Bong Go na agad naman niyang sinuklian sa pamamagitan ng pag-abot sa kanyang mensahe na ang adminitrasyong Duterte ay nakatuon sa pagbibigay serbisyo sa mga mamamayang Pilipino.

Sinabi ni Go na tutulong siya para sa mabilisan at agarang pagsasaayos at rehabilitasyon ng runway sa paliparan ng Surigao City na napinsala dahilan ng 6.8 magnitude na lindol noong nakaraang taon.

Kakausapin raw niya kaagad si Secretary Arthur Tugade ng Department of Transportation hinggil nito dahil nakikita niya mismo umano ang kasalukuyang sitwasyon ng airport runway.

Tungkol naman sa Dinagat-Surigao bridge link project, sinabi ni Go na makikipag-usap daw siya sa kinatawan ng Department of Public Works and Highways upang tuloy-tuloy nang mabigyang solusyon ang problema sa transportasyon sa nasabing lugar.

Dagdag pa ni Go na makikipagtulungan din ang Office of the President sa lokal na pamahalaan ng lalawigan ng Surigao del Norte kaugnay sa pagpapatayo at paglunsad ng ‘Malasakit Center’ na magbibigay prayoridad sa pangangailangan ng mga senior citizens at persons with disability.

Samantala, naging makabuluhan naman ang okasyon ng Bonok-Bonok Festival 2018 bilang pagpaparangal sa kanilang patron na si San Nicolas kung saan masaya at magiliw na nagpakita ng kanilang galing at talento sa ritwal na sayaw ang mga nakilahok mula sa iba’t ibang paaralan at barangay.

Binigyang halaga din ni Go ang makulay at mayamang kultura ng surigao at kanya ding pinasalamatan ang lokal na pamahalaan sa pagpapanatili ng ligtas at mapayapang pamayanan. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Tagalog News: Pederalismo umani ng ibat-ibang reaksyon mula sa local media practitioners sa Caraga region

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Set. 13 (PIA) - Umani ng ibat-ibang reaksyon ang pagsusulong ng Pederalismo sa bansa mula sa mga media practitioners sa Caraga region.

Sa isinagawang media forum on Federalism kamakailan sa lungsod ng Butuan, ibinahagi ng mga partisipante ang kanilang mga tanong at saloobin patungkol sa Pederalismo at posibleng maidudulot ng pagbabago sa struktura ng pamamahala sa bansa, maging sa rehiyon.

Sa inisyatibong ito ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), at mga miyembro ng Consultative Committee to Review the 1987 Constitution na nagmula pa sa ibat-ibang rehiyon, natipon ang may 30 media practitioners at naipaliwanag sa kanila ang mga mahahalagang impormasyon ukol sa isinusulong ng gobyerno na Federal form of government.

Ibinahagi ni Celestino Ybañez Jr., radio commentator ng Real Radio FM Butuan, ang kanyang pag-aalinlangan at pagtutol sa pagpapatupad ng Pederalismo sa bansa. Hindi umano pagbabago sa struktura ng pamahalaang gobyerno ang kailangan, kundi ang mga opisyal na nasa posisyon.

Lubos naman ang suporta sa Pederalismo ni Glenn Bequibel, disc jockey ng Magik FM Butuan dahil magkakaroon na umano ng equal representation ang Federal regions sa national government at mas mapapalawak pa ang implementsyon ng mga programa at serbisyo sa mga local constituents.

Hindi rin makapag-desisyon sa ngayon si Julius Lacierda, station manager ng Brigada News FM sa Butuan City kung sang-ayon sya sa pagsusulong ng Pederalismo dahil hindi pa umano sya kombinsido at marami pa umanong dapat ayusin at ihanda na mga detalye sa pagpapatupad nito.

Ayon naman kay DILG Caraga regional director Lilibeth Famacion, malaki ang ginagampanang papel ng mga media sa pagpalaganap ng kampanya tungo Pederalismo, na ito’y mas lalo pang maintindihan ng mga Pilipino lalo na sa Caraga region.

Samantala, kasabay sa isinagawang Media Forum, tinipon din ang ibat-ibang sektor sa lipunan para sa isang Federalism Roadshow na kung saan naibahagi nila ang kanilang saloobin sa pagpapatupad ng Pederalismo sa bansa, at karamihan sa kanila ay sumusuporta dito dahil na rin sa magandang pagbabagong maibibigay nito sa mga pinoy. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Tagalog News: Paglulunsad ng Kalinaw Kultura sa lungsod ng Butuan naging makulay at makabuluhan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Set. 13 (PIA) - Matapos ang unang paglulunsad ng Kalinaw Kultura sa lungsod ng Iligan, naging kaabang-abang ang pangalawang paglulunsad nito sa lungsod ng Butuan na pinangunahan ng Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, kasama ang National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), pamahalaang lokal ng Butuan at iba pang ahensya ng gobyerno.

Makukulay na kasuotan ng mga katutubong lumad sa Caraga region, instrumentong bumubuo ng musikang nagpapahiwatig ng katatagan at mayamang kultura ng rehiyon, at sayaw na nagbabadya ng pagkakaisa ng mga Caraganon, lahat ng yan nasaksihan sa paglulunsad kamakailan ng Kalinaw kultura sa Robinsons Place.

Naging instrumento ang Kalinaw Kultura na matipon ang ibat-ibang sektor sa Robinsons Place Atrium na punong-puno ng mga taga-panood at tiga-suporta ng mga mang-aawit at mananayaw mula sa ibat-ibang skwelahan sa lungsod ng Butuan, probinsya ng Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte at Surigao del Sur.

Sa pamamagitan ng kulturang sayaw at kanta, layon ng Kalinaw Kultura na mas maitaguyod pa ang mayamang kultura ng mga pilipino lalu na ng mga katutubo sa mindanao. Pinapakita nito ang katatagan ng Mindanaoan at pagkakaisa ng ibat-ibat lahi ng pinoy.

Ibinahagi ni Director-General Harold Clavite ng PIA na ang bawat indibidwal ay nanggaling sa iisang komunidad bilang isang Pilipino.

Ayon sa kanya, ang Mindanao ay mapayapa at pinaninirahan ng mga mapagmahal na Pilipino.

Pinasalamatan naman ni NCCA Information Officer Anne Cabrera ang PIA sa pagtanggap at pagyakap sa hamon ng komisyon na mas mapalaganap pa ang pagtataguyod ng Filipino Arts and Culture. Binigyang-diin din niya na nararapat na maintindihan at isabuhay ng bawat pinoy ang kanilang kultura at maipagmalaki ito.

Samantala, naging highlight din ang ginanap na pagsuot ng friendship-peace wrist bands ng mga partisipante at paglagda ng mga opisyal ng gobyerno sa isang cultural painting na likha ni Chris Tamis, isang local artist sa Butuan City. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano News: Tulay sa Gigaquit gi-inagurahan

By PNP-Gigaquit

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Sept. 13 - Giinagurahan bag-uhay pa lamang ang Lahi-Sico sico-Camamonan (LASICAM) Bridge nga gitawag og "Tulay sa Paglaum" didto sa Brgy. Sico-sico, Gigaquit, ning probinsya.

Ang "Tulay Nan Paglaum" usa ka proyekto ubos sa Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA)gikan sa programa sa Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) diin nagkantidad mokabat sa 200 milyones ka pesos.

Sa pagkatukod sa maong tulay, nahimo kining ganghaan para mahimong sayon ang paghatud sa mga serbisyo sa gobyerno ngadto sa katawhan ug pagdala sa produkto gikan sa LASICAM ngadto sa merkado.

Ang maong kalihukan gitambungan ni Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPPAP) secretary Jesus Dureza, Regional Development Council chairperson Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas; Regional Peace and Order Council chairperson Agusan del Norte Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba, Surigao del Norte Vice Governor Arturo Carlos Egay Jr., NEDA-Caraga Regional directo Myla Faye Aurora B Cariño,  Mayor Elvira Egay sa lungsod sa Gigaquit, PRO 13 Chief Regional Operations and Plans Division PSSupt. Rogelio Z. Raymundo, Eastern Mindanao Command Commanding General Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr.,402nd Phil. Army Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Nemesio Gacal, 4th ID Commander Maj. Gen. Ronaldo Villanueva,  Brig. Gen. Andres Centino, 401st Brigade, PA; Mayor Eddie Gokiangkee sa Claver; Punong Barangay Julito Dicap sa Lahi; Punong Barangay Fernando Lopez sa Sico-sico ug Punong Barangay Indayflor Bangga sa Camam-onan sa lungsod sa Gigaquit.

Aron mahimong malampuson ug hapsay ang maong kalihukan, ang hiniusang pwersa sa Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office sa pagpangulo ni PSupt Rudy L. Elandag, mga sakop sa kapulisan sa Gigaquit Municipal Police Station, dugang pwersa sa kapulisan nga gikan sa istasyon sa Placer, Bacuag, Claver, Surigao de del Norte ug uban pang mga yunit, ug mga miyembro sa Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) lakip na ang mga barangay tanod ang misiguro sa seguridad sa lugar aron nga walay kakulian nga mahitabo sa maong gihimong programa. (PNP-Gigaquit/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Caraganons support Kalinaw Kultura campaign for peace, development

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 11 - After the grand launch of Kalinaw Kultura or Peace Culture in Iligan city, a campaign that aims to promote peace and to raise public awareness about the rich, diverse and dynamic culture and heritage in Mindanao, Caraganons were stirred with excitement with the second launching here in the premier and capital city of Butuan, Caraga region.

The festive activity was led by Philippine Information Agency (PIA), National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA), and supported by partner government agencies and local government units (LGUs).

On behalf of Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada, city councilor Cherry Mae Busa welcomed all the guests and participants and applauded the PIA, NCCA and partners for initiating the Kalinaw Kultura activity to promote culture of ethnic/minority groups in various regions of Mindanao.

“Each of us has a significant role in promoting a culture of peace and unity to boost the city's economy and peace and development endeavors,” said Busa.

In jump-starting the Kalinaw Kultura Launch through celebration of culture and arts, the respective hosts and special guests gathered together and entice the crowd in a symbolic banging of the large gong.

All presentations showcasing the repertoir of talents of the performers coming from different provinces in Caraga were witnessed by hundreds of spectators.

The vibrant and intricate designs of costumes worn by indigenous peoples; the tribal and folk dances that spell peace and unity; and the instruments that produced a unique form of music captured the rich and colorful culture here and Mindanao.

Meanwhile, Butuan City Tourism Officer Evangeline Peña-Dominese emphasized that the city government strongly supports the welfare of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and continuously reaching out to them, not only to address their needs and other concerns, but also to strengthen their culture in their respective IP communities.

In her message, Caraga National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Regional Director lawyer Leslie Mae Plaza also encouraged all to immerse, mingle and reach out with the IPs, as they also belong to the mainstream society.

“We recognized the sincere efforts of the organizers of Kalinaw Kultura in promoting the welfare and culture of the IPs,” Plaza said.

The guests also joined in the ceremonial wearing of peace band or authentic beaded bracelets made by Manobo weavers from Agusan del Sur which implied a shared bond and belongingness to a community among Mindanaoans.

Adora Bandola, a blind singer rendered a song entitled “Tagumpay Nating Lahat”, while the guests had their arms crossed with the person beside them while wearing the symbolic bracelet which signifies oneness in achieving peace for Mindanao and the entire nation.

Philippine Information Agency director-general Harold Clavite encouraged the participants to see the purity and simplicity of each person.

“Go back, go home to where you came from - to the community where you belong, and see it through your heart the true value of your unique culture. Mindanao is not a land of confusion and conflict but a land of peace,” he said.

Clavite also recognized the cooperation of the partner stakeholders nationwide.

He added that Kalinaw Kultura will also be launched in other key cities of Mindanao.

This event, according to him, is a manifestation that Mindanao has a wonderful culture and peace-loving people.

With an aim to regain and infuse the ideals to bring lasting peace and harmony despite cultural divide, Clavite, along with NCCA representatives, local government officials, PIA-Mindanao regional heads, and other stakeholders also inscribed their commitment to promote and strengthen the culture and traditions of Mindanao through a peace covenant signing.

“In the midst of confusion and turmoil, and public perception that Mindanao is an unsafe place, the Kalinaw Kultura would help lead the people in revisiting their roots and revive the purity of heart to embrace peace, unity and solidarity. This is the perfect time for us to build closer ties with Mindanaoans and to recognize and celebrate, not just the strong community within the region, but our willingness to embrace multiculturalism,” Clavite said.

Meanwhile, NCCA Information Officer Anne Cabrera expressed her appreciation to PIA for taking the challenge of assisting the Commission in promoting Filipino arts and culture as she encouraged the citizens to understand more and take pride of their cultural heritage.

All throughout the event, the participants were also amused with the free henna tattoo painting courtesy of the local artists.

An audiovisual presentation showcasing the local products of Caraga including the parade of spectacular clothing creations made of indigenous and other locally derived materials was also played in between performances.

Locally produced food and non-food items, “sinamay”, stuff made of waterlily and abaca, and traditional costumes were also displayed in the exhibit area.

The guests had also their tour to view the featured indigenous crafts.

The Kalinaw Kultura is also set to be launched in the cities of Koronadal, Zamboanga and Davao to promote a culture of peace and spread peace thru culture. (PIA-Caraga)

PIA, NCCA share Kalinaw Kultura project to Caraganons

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 11 – To provide Caraganons a better understanding on the government’s project on strengthening culture and arts, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA), launched recently the Kalinaw Kultura project at the Robinsons Place here.

Undersecretary Harold Clavite, PIA director-general, underscored that the launching of Kalinaw Kultura in Caraga will showcase and strengthen Mindanao's culture especially that many are keeping a misconception about the island.

"So we are here to give testament of its beautiful cultural heritage. Our campaign will not just end here but in wherever we are since the activities are done in five key cities in Mindanao. This is just a beginning of our awareness advocacy not only for Mindanaoans but for all our fellow Filipinos. We likewise encourage the young generation to get involve and so today we will be highlight their great talents," Clavite said.

Anne Cabrera, information officer from the NCCA, reiterated that the Commission gives value to the culture of Filipino people and continues to strengthen and mold it especially to the young ones that these rich culture and traditions we have right now would remain until the next generations to come.

Also, as revealed by PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga, the first lumad/indigenounous peoples (IP) communicators network was already organized in the region.

"They played a crucial role in the access of information down to the grassroots level," he said.

Benjie Felipe, director for Strategic Communications of PIA, also bared that the Kalinaw Kultura has the goal to keep a mindset among all cultural groups to take pride and embrace their own traditions, heritage and customs in order for others to appreciate more their cultural practices and give respect as well.

Meanwhile, Evangeline Peña-Dominise, city tourism officer of Butuan City, emphasized that the city government strongly supports the welfare of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and continuously reaching out to them in the grassroots, not only to address their needs and other concerns, but also to strengthen their culture in their respective IP communities. (JPG/VLG/PIA-Caraga)

Monday, September 10, 2018

Go vows to fast track infrastructure rehabilitations in Surigao; plans to put up Malasakit Center

SURIGAO CITY, September 9, 2018 -- Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go today assured the Surigaonons that the Duterte administration is always at the service of the Filipino People, during the 34th Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival in the city.

In an ambush interview, Go vowed to help fast track the release of funds for the repair and rehabilitation of the Surigao City airport runway that was damaged by the February 2017 earthquake that struck the city.

“Kakausapin ko kaagad ang Secretary of Transportation si Secretary Tugade para tugunan at mapabilis itong pag repair. Ako mismo nakita ko kanina medyo ‘yung dulo ng runway ay mayroong inaayos po.” Go said.

(I will talk right away to Transportation Secretary Tugade to address this issue and to fasten the repair. I personally saw earlier that there is an on-going repair in the runaway.)

According to DOTR, the repair of the runway is currently in progress. Funding has been released last April 2018 and 1,060 meters of the 1,600 meter runway has been restored. 

Go also said that he will talk to Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar to raise the Surigaonons’ concern regarding the ongoing Dinagat-Surigao Bridge Link project.

“Mayroon kaming cabinet meeting po sa darating na Martes. Kakausapin ko naman po si Secretary Villar para mapabilis itong problema ninyo sa tulay at ma-fast track po lahat, pangako ko iyan na bibigyan ko ng immediate action, kaya kakausapin ko ang mga head of departments.” Go said.

(We will be having our cabinet meeting this Tuesday. I will talk to Secretary Villar to raise your concern with the bridge, and to fast track everything. I promise to provide immediate action, that’s why I’ll be talking to the department heads.)

In his speech, Go highlighted the rich culture and tradition of the locals and lauded the efforts of the police, the military and the local government of Surigao City in keeping their communities safe, orderly and secure.

After launching the Malasakit Centers in Palawan and Bacolod today, Go said that he is planning to put up a Malasakit Center in Surigao. 

Go vowed that the Duterte administration will coordinate with the local government of Surigao del Norte to establish a Malasakit Center in the area that will cater and prioritize the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). ###



AgNor SP urges establishment of PESO in LGUs

By Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 10 -- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte urged component local government units (LGUs) in the province to establish a Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in their respective localities.

This was pushed by Provincial Board Member Virgilio R. Escasinas, Jr., chairperson of the Committee on Human Resource Development, Labor and Employment and approved by the body through Sanggunian Resolution No. 240-2018 during its 96th regular session.

It was one of the issues and concerns raised during the committee consultation of the said committee for the Legislative Agenda Formulation.

It was learned that job matching activities in the province intend to embark through its PESO are not sustainable as it is not effectively implemented at the municipal level down to the barangay level considering the absence of PESOs in the municipalities and permanent focal person in barangays to manage and handle job generation and employment programs.

The Committee on Human Resource Development, Labor and Employment also found that there is an absence of skill profiling and list of skilled workers in the province and its component LGUs for the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) job matching reference.

The call for the establishment of PESO is in accordance with Republic Act 10691, otherwise known the Public Employment Service Office Act of 1999 which mandates for the establishment of PESO in all provinces, cities and municipalities that will serve as an extension arm of DOLE in all its labor and employment assistance programs and activities.

PESO ensures prompt and efficient delivery of employment generation services to the constituents in the province and municipalities down to the barangays.

The establishment is a necessity for a more efficient and effective provision of employment services to facilitate the meeting of demand and supply for skills and reduce the transaction cost of information on available skills and jobs. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)