Friday, February 1, 2019

'Juan Effect' launched in Siargao

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Feb. 1 (PIA) – Philippine carrier Cebu Pacific Air in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) has launched its "Juan Effect" Program on January 11, 2019, in General Luna, Siargao Island.

Juan Effect Program aims to mitigate the impact of tourist arrivals on the environment.

It also aims to engage travelers and local stakeholders in raising awareness among Filipinos about their responsibilities as tourists and encourages them to make a difference by changing one daily habit.

The launching was led by DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat, Cebu Pacific Passenger Sales and Distribution Director Arlene Tena, Surigao del Norte 1st Congressional District Representative Francisco Bingo Matugas, DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda, DOT Assistant Secretary Howard Lance Uyking, and other government officials.

According to Tena, the Juan Effect program is a call for all stakeholders to come together, collaborate and cooperate to ensure that the tourism industry progresses sustainably.

She said that since the launching of Juan Effect in August 2018, they have been working with the local government units in the island and the whole province to spur concerted action to properly manage the ever-increasing visitor numbers, ease the negative impact of tourism on the island, and balance the social and environmental concerns with its economic benefits.

“Colorful murals and signs made of used surfboards have been put up prior to the peak surfing season to help educate tourists and local residents,” Tena said.

DOT Sec. Berna Puyat, in her remarks, said the pilot module of Juan Effect project will be the models and yardsticks for sustainable tourism practices and action plans of the DOT.

She said that the DOT’s mandate is centered on creating a culture of sustainable tourism, a unique mandate to both sell and preserve, to ensure that the beauty of our country remains, while people get to enjoy a unique Philippine travel experience.

Puyat also said no business ventures can flourish on profit alone if it is not sustainable in itself, then, it cannot make any significant contribution to its industry.

“Let us start the year 2019 right by committing ourselves to our driving principle of sustainability. Instilling this culture of tourism would entail a paradigm shift among all of us in the public and private sectors alike, to change how we think business, to care more about our environment, our natural gems and our tourist attractions,” said Puyat.

On his part, Rep. Matugas encouraged everyone to keep Siargao clean and treat the natural environment with love and respect because the failure of the system would ultimately threaten the subsistence of human beings.

He said everyone can contribute if each of us can be more conscious to save the environment and willing to take some simple steps to care and preserved the natural beauty of the island for sustainable tourism.

Meanwhile, DENR undersecretary Benny Antiporda has pledged to assist and provide technical assistance to the solid waste management plans of the islands.

“We are committed to help local government units in the preparation and implementation of their solid waste management plans which is very important in ensuring that there will be an efficient management solid waste in each municipality of Siargao,” Antiporda said.

The said launching was wrapped up with a ceremonial turn over of motorbikes “Fat Bikes” for Tourist Police in the Municipal Police Station of General Luna from the Office of the First Congressional District of Surigao del Norte. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

DAR turns over organic fertilizer processing center to AgNor farmers

By Gil E. Miranda

KITCHARAO, Agusan del Norte, Feb. 1 - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) of Agusan del Norte, in partnership with the Local Government of Kitcharao, formally handed over the Organic Fertilizer Processing Center funded under DAR’s Village Level Farm Focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) project held at Barangay Jaliobong, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte on January 25, 2019.

The recipient, Jaliobong Masipag Farmers Farmers Organization Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (JAMAFO ARB Coop), is one of the DAR’s assisted Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) in the province.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO II) Andre B. Atega, CESO V, said the agency allocated Php300,000.00 for the construction of the organic fertilizer processing center.

Atega encouraged the group to work hard and ensure positive gains of the project to reinforce the current agribusiness to become one of the organic fertilizer producers in the province.

“Niining inyong ka aktibo ug panaghiusa, maoy timailhan nga adunay kahayag aron moasenso ang inyong kapunungan (It is understandable that your active part and unity is a sign that there is light leading to improve your organization)," he said.

“It is nice to see that along with your unity and cooperation, despite the limited budgetary resources allocated, you met your project possible,” he added.

The Kitcharao local government headed by Mayor Aristotle E. Montante provided in-kind 105 cubic meter embankment equivalent of Php90,000.00 for the said project.

The JAMAFO ARB Coop, meanwhile, shared location site equivalent to Php30,000.00 and Labor Equity amounted to Php110,000.00 as counterpart.

Punong Barangay Edwin Montante and Chair of JAMAFO Mr. Regor Vidal expressed commendation to DAR for the support as it will benefit the organization in raising agricultural productivity as well as to its members and the community.

This project, under the administration of President Duterte, aims to enhance the enterprise and livelihood activities of the agrarian reform beneficiaries at the community level. (DAR Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

TESDA chief visits Agusan provinces

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 1 – Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on Wednesday visited the two Agusan provinces as part of its commitment to visit and see for himself the act

ual situation in the regional offices of the agency.

From the Bancasi Airport where he arrived at 6:00 a.m., he immediately proceeded to the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF) where he made site visitations of the fishponds, fish incubation and hatchery centers.

During the interaction with the NMSF employees, the official emphasized that his visit is a venue for the employees to express their opinions whenever there are certain issues and concerns that they want to bring to the top management.

“Ngayon, ako na po ang lumalapit sa inyo upang malaman ko kung ano ang mga issues and concerns na kailangan n’yong ipaabot sa management. (Now, I am getting near to you for me to know the issues and concerns you want to tell the management),” Sec. Lapeña said.

From NMSF, the TESDA chief heeded towards the Agusan del Norte Provincial Office and the Regional Office in downtown here to meet and interact with the employees.

The official enjoined the employees to be at their best to better serve the Caraganons.

“Gawin natin ang ating mga trabaho upang mapag-serbisyuhan ng mabuti an gating mga kapwang nangangailangan ng ating tulong. (We have to do our work so that we can serve well our fellow countrymen who need our help)," the Secretary said.

After the interaction with the employees, the party went to Agusan del Sur School of Arts and Trades (ASSAT) in Patin-ay, Agusan del Sur to inaugurate the newly-constructed Php 3.8-million Administration Building of the TESDA administered school.

The building is a product of the training-cum-production scheme of ASSAT and TESDA-Agusan del Sur Provincial Office.

After the inauguration, Lapeña attended a luncheon meeting with the TESDA-Agusan del Sur stakeholders.

The meeting served as a venue for the stakeholders to raise issues and concerns pertaining to the implementation of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) not only in the province of Agusan del Sur but as well as the whole Caraga Region.

Last stop of the Secretary’s visit is the Mass Graduation Ceremony of TESDA Skills Training Programs held in Datu Lipus Macapandong Cultural Center in Patin-ay, Agusan del Sur with a total of 477 graduates composed of trainees from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Substance Use Recovery and Enlightenment (SURE), Former Rebels, Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY), Philippine Army, Alternative Learning System (ALS), Indigenous Peoples, and Informal Workers and Unemployed.

During the ceremony, key officials of the different government agencies in Caraga Region expressed their continuous support and commitment to the programs initiated by TESDA in the region. (TESDA Caraga/PIA Caraga)

Lapeña vows to support TTIs in Caraga

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 1 – Following the historic visit of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña on Wednesday in the two Agusan Provinces, the official vowed to support the TESDA Technology Institutions (TTIs) in Caraga.

The development came after visiting the two TTIs in the region, meeting and interacting with the faculty and staff, and saw the situation in as far as upgrading of facilities is concerned.

Lapeña said "like in other regions where he has visited already, the TTIs have potential to help the Filipino people develop their skills."

“You have made a significant contribution in honi

ng the skills of the trainees in your region and I have seen potential in the delivery of instructions, as well as the geographical setting you have… So, during my stint as your Secretary, I will support you in as far as improving the facilities that you have nowhere in your school,” he said.

Meanwhile, during the interaction with the employees of the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF), TESDA-Agusan del Norte Provincial Office, TESDA-Caraga Regional Office, and Agusan del Sur School of Arts and Trades (ASSAT), the Secretary said he is also pushing for policies that promote the welfare of the employees of TESDA.

“You, the employees, are the backbone of the agency.  It is but fitting that you will also enjoy the welfare that are due for you.  I will discuss matters pertaining to employees’ welfare to your Union – the TESDA Association of Concerned Employees (ACE),” he added.

The secretary’s visit is part of his commitment to go to the grassroots of the agency’s organization and experience personally what were the actual situations happening in the regional, provincial, and TESDA administered schools, in support to the agenda of the national government specifically “inclusive growth.” (TESDA Caraga/PIA Caraga)

DG Lapeña inaugurates ASSAT Admin Office

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 1 – Director General, Sec. Isidro S. Lapeña of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on Wednesday inaugurated the Php3.8 million Administration Building of the Agusan del Sur School of Arts and Trades (ASSAT).

TESDA Provincial Director Braulio P. Dela Peña, Jr. said the newly-constructed building is a product of the training-cum-production scheme of the trainees in the Masonry and Carpentry NC II. “This building is one of the products of the training-cum-production of the trainees of the school,” he said.

Lapeña lauded the leadership of Dir. Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. for coming up with a project that gave benefit not only for the school but more importantly to the trainees because they will be given a venue to apply what they have learned in the hours of training.

“The training-cum-production both give an advantage to the school and much more to the trainees because they will be exposed to the actual work in construction, thus, we have to continue with this scheme,” he said.

Prior to the inauguration, the Secretary visited the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF), TESDA-Agusan del Norte Provincial Office, and TESDA-Caraga Regional Office in this city and have the opportunity to talk and discuss with the employees on the issues and concerns that need to be addressed.

Later in the afternoon, the Secretary was the guest of honor during the Joint Graduation Ceremony of TESDA trainees in different skills training programs where a total of 477 trainees received their Certificate of Training Completion from TESDA-Agusan del Sur. (TESDA-13/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

'Pipol Konek' umani ng positibong reaksyon mula sa ibat-ibang sektor sa Caraga

Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Pebrero 1 (PIA) - Umani ng positibong reaksyon mula sa ibat-ibang sektor sa Caraga Region ang Pipol Konek Project o free WiFi internet connection sa ilalim ng administrasyon ni President Rodrigo Duterte.

Sa isinagawang Stakeholders Forum dito sa lungsod, napakinggan mula mismo sa mga benepisyaryo ng nasabing proyekto ang kanilang positibo at ilan umanong maliliit na aberya na kanilang naranasan sa pagamit ng Pipol Konek internet connection.

Ibinahagi ni John Eric Bual, school Information and Communications Technology (ICT) coordinator ng Butuan City School of Arts and Trade na malaking tulong sa kanilang mga guro at mga mag-aaral ang pagamit ng Pipol Konek internet connection, kung saan accessible, convenient at mabilis ang kanilang pagkuha ng mahahalagang impormasyon.

Hangad din niyang mas mapalawig pa ang Pipol Konek sa iba pang mga eskwelahan sa rehiyon.

Ayon naman kay Serge Sabuero, information systems analyst III ng City Information and Communications Office ng local na pamahalaan ng Butuan, na malaking bagay para sa kanilang mga empleyado, maging sa kanilang mga kliyente ang pagkakaroon ng libreng internet koneksyon dahil mas napabilis ang mga transaksyon at reporting system nila.

Ayon naman kay Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Assistant Secretary Alan Silor, layon ng ahensya na makuha ang mga reaksyon at suhestyon ng mga benepisyaryo kung paano mas maging epektibo at kapakipakinabang pa ang pag-access ng Pipol Konek internet connection ng kanilang mga kliyente. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Hakbang pangseguridad sa nalalapit na eleksyon, pinatutupad sa SurSur

Ni Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Peb. 1 (PIA) – Mga hakbang pangseguridad kaugnay sa paghahanda sa nalalapit na National and Local Elections sa Mayo 13 ng taong kasalukuyan ay sinimulan ng pinatutupad sa Surigao del Sur, ayon sa opisyal ng militar.

Sa panayam kay 401st Brigade Commanding Officer BGen Andres Centino, napag-alaman na sinimulan ng pinatutupad ang ilan sa kanilang mga plano pangseguridad sa mga lugar na nasasakupan nito sa probinsya.

Ayun pa sa opisyal, kabilang na dito ang ginanap na reactivation ng Provincial Joint Security Command Center (PJSCC) na idinaos sa syudad ng Tandag kamakailan, kasama ang iba’t-ibang ahensya ng gobyerno na myembro nito sa pangunguna ng Commission on Elections o COMELEC.

Napag alaman na sa  tuwing nalalapit ang halalan, lumalabas ang mga isyu at alegasyong pangingikil ng mga rebeldeng New People’s Army sa mga tumatakbong kandidato sa pamamagitan ng “permit to campaign” at “permit to win.”

Hindi lingid sa kaalaman ni BGen. Centino ang napipintong ika-50 anibersaryo ng makakaliwang grupo, kung saan sinabi ng opisyal na nangangailangan ito ng pondo o panggastos para sa paghahanda sa pamamagitan ng pangingikil.

Samantala, inamin din ng opisyal na patuloy ang operasyong militar na tumutugis sa mga dumukot sa dalawang sundalo at 12 CAFGU noong Disyembre 2018 sa army detachment ng New Tubigon, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.

Sinabi ng opisyal na malaki ang kanyang paniniwala na nasa AOR pa rin ng 401st Brigade ang mga ito kung saan paliit na nang paliit ang lugar na pinagtataguan ng mga ito.

Ang area of responsibility ng 401st Brigade ay nakabase sa Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur ay sumasakop sa ilang bayan sa Katimogang bahagi ng Surigao del Sur at probinsya ng Agusan del Sur. (PIA Surigao del Sur)