Olympic-size swimming
pool opens in Surigao del Norte
By Venus L. Garcia
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Oct. 22 (PIA) -- The province of
Surigao del Norte takes pride of its newly inaugurated Olympic-size swimming
pool inside the provincial sports complex.
The opening of the 50-meter swimming pool strengthens the initiative of
the provincial government in promoting optimal health and wellness of the
locals through sports amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The simple celebration started with a motorcade along the major
thoroughfares heading towards the provincial sports complex. Surigao del Norte
Gov. Francisco Matugas led the inauguration together with other local officials
of the province and local government unit of Surigao City.
According to Edwin Ausa, the provincial wellness, sports and youth
development officer, the opening of the swimming pool will entice more
individuals especially the youth to engage in sports activities and is also an
ideal venue for recreation of Surigaonons.
He said that using sports as a vehicle to attract young people could
help in keeping them away from bad vices.
“Basically, this swimming pool will cater all those who are here in the
mainland. I’m sure in the future we can have superstars in terms of swimming,”
he said.
In the meantime, temporary closure of the sports complex is imposed as a
mitigating measure due to the pandemic. (VLG/SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
PH manufacturers
ensure quality infra materials
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 22 (PIA) -- As a way to express their full support of
the government’s prioritization of local products and construction materials
for infrastructure and public works projects, as provided for in the recently
signed Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2, the Pioneer Float Glass
Manufacturing Incorporated (PFGMI), together with Puyat Steel Corporation (PSC)
and Sonic Steel Industries Incorporated (SSII), have joined the Cement
Manufacturers’ Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) and Philippine Iron and
Steel Institute (PISI) in ensuring quality and adequate supply of locally-made
construction materials.
Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, CeMAP
and PISI, whose members include PSC and SSII, and PFGMI have stood in solidarity
with government leaders and key industry stakeholders in striking a delicate
balance between navigating the health crisis and keeping the economy afloat.
Through this partnering effort and unwavering commitment, many Filipino
jobs were preserved and this placed the country on the road to economic
recovery.
With the use of local building materials, such as cement, steel, and
glass for the ongoing Build Build Build (BBB) program, these industries can
fully help support the nation’s economic recovery by continuing to generate
employment, contributing to the national income through taxes, and ensuring
that the multiplier effect of supporting local businesses is fully taken
advantage of.
“The Philippine building materials industries, especially the cement
industry, is confident and ready to ensure that our Philippine infrastructure
projects will have adequate materials supply from companies that are proud to
be manufacturing locally,” said CeMAP Executive Director Cirilo PestaΓ±o.
“Likewise, the steel industry is ready to assure that our local projects
will receive the best quality of building materials, including Philippine
steel, available for the government’s ongoing and upcoming projects. As an
industry, we are ready to do our part and play a key role in the swift economic
recovery of the nation,” PISI President Ronald C. Magsajo also added.
PSC Executive Vice President Eugenio R. Puyat II also emphasized that
PSC fully supports the government’s prioritization of Philippine manufactured
products and construction materials for infrastructure and public works
projects.
"Philippine funded projects, as well as all other projects, must
give preference to Philippine manufactured products as long as it meets quality
standards required,” he underscored.
Meanwhile, PFGMI President and CEO Paul Vincent Go highlighted that
“in solidarity with the cement and steel industry, PFGMI as the leading
domestic manufacturer of float glass in the Philippines, guarantees the
availability of glass products of the highest quality to its key customers,
which includes the downstream wholesale glass supply market, to support
domestic demand for institutional, industrial, and residential glass products.”
(JPG/PIA-Caraga)
CeMAP promotes high-quality local cement products
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 22 (PIA) - With its commitment to serve and ensure
quality to the Filipino cement consumers, the Cement Manufacturers Association
of the Philippines (CeMAP) eyes counter-checking cement products to ensure that
these are truly manufactured locally.
In CeMAP’s press statement, the company cited that there have been
reports of malicious and inappropriately labelled cement products circulating
in the different parts of the country. This was brought to the attention of the
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) the cement bags of Union V Super
Strength 40 manufactured by Philcement Corporation.
Based on the CeMAP’s report to DTI dated January 28, 2020, the said
cement bags produced by Philcement Corporation were labelled “Product of the
Philippines”. CeMAP elaborated that it is publicly known that Philicement
Corporation is one of the companies engaged in cement importation.
“Further, the PS License Number was not printed on the bags and that the
Batch Identification Number and Manufacturing Date were not understandable to
consumers, both of which are required by the Philippine National Standards
(PNS),” said Cirilo PestaΓ±o, CeMAP executive director.
PestaΓ±o emphasized that CeMAP simply wants to know if all of
Philcement’s products are indeed manufactured in the Philippines as indicated
on their cement bags. Philcement is yet to respond to the query. Meanwhile,
concerned government offices are urged to conduct a thorough investigation on
the matter.
“We strongly advocate for the provision of accurate information to the
public to facilitate sound choice and the proper exercise of consumer rights.
To enable faster economic recovery, the government is promoting use of locally
manufactured products to preserve jobs and make the most of the multiplier
effect and contribution of domestic manufacturing activities to the Philippine
economy. It is therefore imperative that products sold in the market, like
cement, are appropriately labelled and represented as such,” added PestaΓ±o.
CeMAP further pointed out that this concern is in line with their
commitment to work with all stakeholders in promoting consumer welfare and
protection as part of their advocacy and for the safety and overall benefit of
Filipino cement consumers.
The Cement Manufacturers' Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) was
established in 1973 with the aim of pooling the cement industry's resources to
ensure the industry's growth and share in the development of the Philippine
economy.
The association's main responsibilities include consistently monitoring
the quality of cement produced by local manufacturers, promoting strict
compliance with recognized quality standards, and advocation in adherence to
environmental standards in the production of cement. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
FRs complete TESDA
training on land prep
By Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 22 – A total of 24 former rebels (FRs) in Agusan del
Norte have completed the skills training given by the Technical Education and
Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
TESDA-Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Rey M. Cueva said the FRs underwent
9-day training on Land Preparation leading to Organic Agriculture
Production. “Participants are 24 FRs and are under the custody of the
23rd Infantry Battalion, 29th Infantry Battalion and the Philippine National
Police,” he said.
The official added like the 16 personnel of the Agusan del Norte
Provincial Hospital who underwent training on Prepare and Produce Bakery
Products and the 11 personnel who finished skills training in Prepare Dining
Area for Service, after the Land Preparation, training on Organic Agriculture
Production will follow.
Later on, the official pointed out that the provincial government, in
partnership with TESDA-Agusan del Norte has already laid down its plan to
create a mini-organic farm right at the training site located at the back of
the provincial hospital to ensure self-sufficient in providing food to the
patients and the personnel as well.
Dir. Cueva further said this is still part of the 109th anniversary
celebration of the Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital through the Office of
Congresswoman Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba of the 2nd District, as well
as the Provincial Government through Governor Dale B. Corvera.
It was also made possible through the Agusan del Norte Provincial
Hospital through Provincial Health Officer I – Dr. Odelio Y. Ferrer, Agusan del
Norte Provincial Administrator Gerry Joey P. Laurito, and TESDA-Agusan del
Norte Provincial Office.
Under the land preparation, the scope of the training focused on
clearing, plowing, harrowing and farrowing of the land, it was learned.
Land preparation is a farm activity typically involves plowing,
harrowing, and leveling the field to make it suitable for crop establishment. (TESDA
Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)
Agusan Norte guv to
fund .5M PRLEC enterprise dev’t projects
By Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 22 – Agusan del Norte Governor Dale B. Corvera said
the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) will fund the enterprise
development projects of the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment
Cluster (PRLEC) which totaled half-a-million pesos.
In a meeting held Tuesday at the Provincial Covered Court with Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Agusan del Norte Provincial
Director Rey M. Cueva and Provincial Administrator Joey Gerry Laurito, Gov.
Corvera assured that he will support the PRLEC enterprise development projects
and will give funds for its establishment.
Gov. Corvera added this will be made possible through the Provincial
Peace and Order Council (PPOC) who is also very supportive of peace and
development causes.
Dir. Cueva said among the projects to be established is the habal-habal
spare parts store and vulcanizing shop in Sitio Zapanta Valley, Bangayan,
Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte amounting to P100,000.00.
Also, a bakery and refreshment will soon be established in the area with
an estimated amount of P75,000.00, as well as barbershop and salon that will
cost P40,000.00, while a Gulayan/Bagsakan Center that will process fruits and
vegetable products amounting to P35,000.00 will also form part of the lined-up
projects.
Meanwhile, in San Antonio, Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR) town, a
restaurant/kiosk will be established soon. The project will cost P100,000.00.
Another project is the beads-making and souvenir items which costs P50,000.00.
In a related development, a bakery and refreshment amounting to
P50,000.00 will be put up in Brgy. Simbalan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.
Likewise, beads-making and souvenir items which costs P50,000.00 will also be
put up in the area.
This undertaking shows that the official has fully supported the PRLEC
and TESDA in its quest to achieve a long-lasting peace and development in the
province of Agusan del Norte. (TESDA Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)
NPA terrorists arrested in Surigao del Norte
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Oct. 22 -- Two active members of the
communist terrorist group (CTG) fell into the hands of the
authorities following their arrest in Purok 1, Barangay Marayag, Mainit,
Surigao del Norte on October 3.
Based on the report, the arrested communist New People’s Army (NPA)
terrorists were identified as Regil D. Dano also known as Pluto, 37 years
old, an active member of SYP21C, Guerilla Front 21 and his brother Erwin “Benz”
D. Dano, 23 years old, an active member of SDG21, Guerilla Front 21.
Regil, listed as top three most wanted in Police Regional Office 13, was
apprehended by virtue of warrant of arrest for the crime of murder issued by
Judge Marigel S. Dagani-Hugo of Branch 3, Butuan City Regional Trial Court
dated July 22, 2020 while Erwin Dano was arrested for violation of Republic Act
9516 or Illegal Possession of Explosive. Both personalities are residents of
Sitio Dugyaman, Brgy Anticala, Butuan City.
Lt. Col. Isagani Criste, Battalion Commander of 29th Infantry (Matatag)
Battalion, said that the operation was conducted by combined elements of 29IB
and Philippine National Police in response to the information received about
the presence of the wanted persons in the said barangay.
Meanwhile, Col. George Banzon, Commander of 901st Infantry (Fight’Em)
Brigade, commended the soldiers and police for the successful joint operation
made possible by the cooperation of the concerned individuals who provided the
reliable information.
“It is a clear manifestation that the people of Caraga are tired already
of NPA terrorists’ wrongdoings specifically their involvement in the unlawful
activities such as extortion, arson, murder, kidnapping and other related
crimes as well as victimizing innocent civilians by luring them to join
senseless armed struggle,” he said.
Col. Banzon further said that joint operations with other law
enforcement agencies will be intensified against the communist terrorist group
to further speed up the imminent defeat of the insurgents so that peace and
security will be ensured.
“We in the security sector are merging our efforts to materialize our
mandates in this whole-of-the-nation approach to eradicate CTGs. In line with
this, we are urging the public to continue your support so that we can sustain
what we have started here in Caraga," he said. (901st Infantry Brigade,
Phil. Army/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Mga ahensya ng gobyerno, nagkaisa laban sa smuggling
By Caroline Ann D. Rodero
LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Oktubre 22 -- Pormal na lumagda sa ginanap na virtual
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing noong Martes, Oktubre 20, 2020 ang 31
na mga ahensya ng gobyerno para sa implementasyon ng Inter-Agency Coordinated
Border Management Committee (ICBMC).
Pinangunahan ni Bureau of Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerero
ang paglagda sa kasunduan.
Kabilang sa mga ahensya ng Department of Agriculture na nakiisa sa
nabanggit na MOU signing ang mga sumusunod: Bureau of Animal Industry, Bureau of
Plant Industry, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, National Food
Authority, National Meat Inspection Service, Sugar Regulatory Administration at
National Tobacco Administration.
Layunin ng ICBMC na sa pamamagitan ng bukas na ugnayan sa pagitan ng
iba’t-ibang ahensya ng gobyerno ay masawata ang smuggling sa Pilipinas.
Pinagkaisahan ng mga bumubuo ng OCBMC na gumawa ng operational protocol para sa
implementasyon ng enhance border security. Maliban dito, mapagtitibay nito ang
kooperasyon at koordinasyon ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno na may mga mahahalagang
tungkuling ginagampanan upang masiguro ang border protection.
Ang nasabing programa ay magbibigay daan din upang maiiwasan ang pagpasok ng mga sakit na maaaring makaapekto sa sektor ng agrikultura. (DA-BAI/PIA-Caraga)
