(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 24 April 2024) Easterlies affecting the country. Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur will experience Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to Easterlies/Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—œπ—‘π—— 𝗔𝗑𝗗 π—–π—’π—”π—¦π—§π—”π—Ÿ π—ͺπ—”π—§π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Light to moderate winds coming from East to Southeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas (0.6 to 2.1 meters).


PIA News Service - Tuesday, June 22, 2010

San Agustin, Surigao del Sur launches Britania Island Tour Packages

San Agustin, Surigao del Sur — The Municipal Government of San Agustin launched recently the Britania Island Tour Packages. The tour packages include island hopping, snorkeling, boat sailing, caving, bird watching, shell gathering and mangrove tour which promote the ecotourism industry of Britania. This destination hopes to invite tourists to see a new and exotic place here in Caraga Region.

The said tour product was developed by the community through the 5Ps (Panibagong Paraan sa Pagpapalakas ng Pamahalaang Panlokal) program dubbed as “Building the Community, Building the Eco-tourism Industry:” by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Local Government Academy in coordination with the Provincial Government. Britania was chosen as a recipient of the said project through the efforts, ingenuity, hard work and dedication of its project proponent, DILG Surigao del Sur Provincial Director Domingo E. Bulabog. Not only will this project boost the tourism industry of San Agustin but will also pump-prime the local economy when employment and small industries rise up.



In his speech, DILG Regional Director Rene K. Burdeos encourages the people of Britania to cooperate with the different stakeholders. He accentuates that the project in Britania, unlike most of the tourist destinations in the country, is a project owned and managed by the community. He also added that the community plays a great role in building the image of Britania as a serene place with crystal clear waters and awe-inspiring beautiful islets luring everyone to visit.

The launching of the said activity showcased the concerted efforts of the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the program and social preparedness of the community for the ecotourism industry. It was attended by local government officials and employees, national government agencies’ regional directors and people from the community. (Marichelle A. Orozco, DILG-Surigao del Sur/PIA-Caraga)



Dynamite blast cuts off fisherman’s arms

Surigao del Norte (22 June) - A local fisherman was rushed to a hospital after being caught with a dynamite blast that ripped and cut off his arms. The incident happened at the seawaters off Brgy. Union in Dapa this province.

The victim was identified by local folks as a certain Benjie Dumanjog, a resident also of Brgy. Union, Dapa.

It was learned that Dumanjog along with two unidentified companions referred to only as John Does went fishing on June 17, 2010, Thursday few kilometers away from the said barangay with the use of dynamite.

When he threw the said explosive into the sea, the rope which was tied on an iron bar where the explosive was attached, got entangled and, within a few seconds, the dynamite went off cutting both arms of the victim.

A companion of Dumanjog was reportedly unscathed while the other one was hit with shrapnels all over his face and body as a result of the explosion.

The two unidentified companions of Dumanjog are now hiding to avoid possible police investigations and future legal sanctions arising out from the said incident.
Local folks revealed that dynamite fishing and illegal fishing are rampant not just in Brgy. Union in Dapa town but all over Siargao Islands as well.

Even minors are into the said activity.

A certain James (not his real name) admitted that he was involved in dynamite fishing since he was nine years old. He is now 15 years old.

Incidents like this in the area are not uncommon. Every year, reports on fishermen with severed limbs or deaths caused by dynamite fishing are part of routine statistics. (Roel Catoto/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Surigao solon calls for unity

Surigao City (22 June) - Amidst disunity and political divisiveness brought about by the recent election, re-elected 2nd district Congressman Guillermo “Jun” Romarate Jr., made an appeal to all his political opponents to bring back the old camaraderie and friendship they used to enjoy.

In a recent press briefing, the solon said it’s now high time to achieve unity among political warlords so that progress and development in the city and province would then follow.

“I am appealing seriously to my political opponents to please help us build better our place to live in,” Romarate said.

The lawmaker said he is calling for the involvement of persons who have extensive experience in public service to help him for the betterment of the whole constituency of Surigao.

“Awhagon pod nako ang akong mga kontra sa politika nga makig-join force na; sigi lang diay ta magkontra ug magdaut-daut,” Romarate stressed.

He claimed there is no permanent ally in politics because it changes eventually. “We must always remember there is no permanent alliance in politics. Now we are allies, tomorrow we may be opponents; that’s how politics is being practiced in our country,” the representative noted. (Roel Catoto/PIA-Surigao del Norte)



Cebuano News: Edukasyon ang gi-prayoridad ni Gov. Amante
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BUTUAN CITY - “Ang Edukasyon ang susi sa pagpakunhod sa kalisod” kini ang gitumbok sa programang pang-edukasyon ang usa sa prayoridad sa administrasyon ni Agusan del Norte Governor Erlpe John M. Amante.

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Sa gipahigayong State of the Province Address (SOPA) niadtong Huwebes (June 17) ni Gov. Amante gisaysay niini ang pagkab-ot sa percentage score (MPS) nga may 80.98% niadtong tuig 2009, nga misaka sa 2.81% gikan sa 78.17% sa nakalabayng tuig 2008.

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Sulod sa tuig 2009 gipaningkamotan sa pwersa sa kagamhanang probinsyal nga ang tanan nga mga kabataan ma-edukar.

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Gisulti ni Amante nga “our mean percentage score was only 78.17% in 2008. In 2009, we were able to attain an MPS of 80.98%."

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Gitug-an sa gobernador nga mitaas ang puntos sa edukasyon sanglit nahimong number one ang rehiyon sa Caraga nga nakakuha sa highest percentage scores sa reading, grammar, science and health sa gipahigayong National Achievement Test.

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Gigahinan sab sa probinsya ang mga programang teknikal ug bokasyonal. “The future of our children is shining even better even brighter. Complementing our efforts in the formal education were our activities in providing technical vocational education and training or the TVET. TESDA reported that in 2009, the number of trainings jumped 435% or from 9,655 in 2008 to 42,074 in 2009. Added to this, 4,170 students were given scholarships, the cost of which totaled P36.9 million," sulti ni Gov. Amante.

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Miabot sa 2,360 ka social welfare services nga nagkantidad sa P1.6 milyones ang napatuman sa administrasyon niini.

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Gawas niana gidugang ang three-year Early Childhood Care and Development Project nga nagkantidad sa P 23.7.

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Giapil ang pag-rehabilitate ug pag-upgrade sa 18 ka barangay health centers nga gi-apod apod nga mga medisina ug mga tambal, dugang pod nga hot meals para sa 467 pre-school children gikan sa 15.5% hangtod 13.31%.

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"This gained the province a Garantisadong Pambata Champ Award given by the DOH with Php 300,000 as incentive," sulti ni Amante.

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Gibutyag ang programa pang-edukasyon nahiapil sa agenda ni Gov. Amante dungan sa pagsaulog sa ika-43 Araw ng Lalawigan sa Agusan del Norte nagdala sa temang: “Ang Kakugi sa Pagpanerbisyo, Iwag sa Pag-asenso”. (PIA-Caraga)
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Feature: Surigao del Sur: 50 years of growth and progress

Sometime in 1958, Congressman Reynaldo Honrado of the Lone District of Surigao del Sur filed a house bill dividing the province of Surigao del Sur into two provinces. The proposed new province to comprise the southern municipalities from Carrascal up to Lingig with Tandag as the Capital town. The new province would be named Surigao del Sur.

In November 1959 as the bill entered into its third and final stage, a local election was held. In that election a young Mayor from the obscure town of Bislig decided to run for Governor after winning two successive elections. That young mayor was Recaredo Castillo who was popularly known among the lowly people with his nickname “ERAT”. The management of Bislig Bay Lumber Company. Incorporation (BBLCI) supported ERAT by allowing him the use of the company plane in spreading leaflets all over the province announcing his candidacy. Alarmed, Governor Oging Navarro sought a meeting with Mayor Castillo in the presence of Congressman Honrado. Gov. Navarro tried to convince ERAT to run for Vice Governor instead as his running mate.

Congressman Honrado supported Gov. Navarro in his attempt to convince ERAT to change his mind by informing the latter that a house bill dividing Surigao del Sur into two provinces is now in the third reading. Once the bill is enacted into law, he could probably be the first governor of the new province if elected vice governor.

Still unconvinced, ERAT suggested to Congressman Honrado that he would introduce an amendment to his bill that the elected vice governor of the 1959 election would be the automatic governor of the new province. Congressman Honrado agreed and an amendatory proviso was inserted into bill, as suggested by Mayor Castillo.

ERAT was elected vice governor in the 1959 local election with Constantino “Oging” Navarro as the Governor. In the meantime the bill smoothly passed through the legislative process until it was enacted into law by President Carlos P. Garcia on June 19 1960 as RA 2786. The new province of Surigao del Sur was separated from its mother province, Surigao del Norte on September 18, 1960. (Cesar Puentenegra/ PIA-Surigao del Sur)
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Hinatuan bags top award in National Zero Basura Olympics
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The municipality of Hinatuan grabbed the top award in the recently concluded Zero Basura Olympics Garbology Marathon 2009 national competition.

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Mayor Candelario J. Viola, Jr., together with ESWMP Coordinator Daniel P. Jabagat, received the award from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during the awarding ceremony held last April 23, 2010 at MalacaΓ±ang Palace. The national winners are: Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur and San Mateo, Isabela, the co-winners in the 1st to 3rd class municipalities category, and Magarao, Camarines Sur (4th to 6th class municipalities.)

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President Arroyo commented the efforts of the Local Chief Executives and officials of the participating LGUs for prioritizing environment in their agenda and in implementing the best and efficient solid waste management programs under Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. Evaluation of the “Olympians” was based on efficient composting, recycling, appropriate technology for residual wastes with bias for local, low-cost indigenous inventions, livelihood components and people participation.

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Among those present during the awarding rites were Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Horacio Ramos and some representatives from various non-government organizations and international environmental groups.

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Mayor Viola took pride of the achievement and award. He lauded the local residents and LGU officials for their collective effort in bringing such honor and prestige to Hinatuan. He noted that such unprecedented triumph of the municipality is quite remarkable having implemented the ESWM program for barely three (3) years. Under Mayor Viola’s term, Hinatuan also won the distinction as First Placer in the Gawad ng Probinsiya sa Kapaligiran Program (GPK) for Category A (1st to 3rd Class Municipalities) in the province in 2008 and 2009.

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Hinatuan has become a popular destination of nearby municipalities and provinces for Lakbay Aral visits on replicable solid waste management practices. A visit to its well-kept Ecopark is often the highlight of evry tour.

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The President awarded plaque and P300,000 cash incentive to Mayor Candelario J. Viola and to the winning LGUs. (Gemma S. Millan, LGU-Hinatuan/ PIA-Caraga)

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RCDA strengthens implementation of programs, services for PWDs
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By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY – The Regional Council for Disability Affairs (RCDA) Caraga strengthens implementation of government’s programs and services for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) during the 2nd quarterly meeting held recently at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga conference room here.

Ms. Flerida Labanon, Regional Program Coordinator of the National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA) for Caraga emphasized that NCDA (formerly National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons or NCWDP) is the national government agency mandated to formulate policies and coordinate the activities of all agencies, whether public or private, concerning disability issues and concerns. As such, the NCDA is the lead agency tasked to steer the course of program development for persons with disabilities and the delivery of services to the sector.

Labanon also stressed that NCDA is tasked to monitor the implementation of several laws to ensure the protection of PWDs’ civil and political rights. These laws include Republic Act No. 7277 otherwise known as Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 or Accessibility Law, Executive Order No. 437 or the implementation of Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) for PWDs in the Philippines, and Executive Order No. 417 directing the implementation of the economic independence program for PWDs.

Labanon further said that to date, livelihood programs are offered by the government wherein PWDs can avail of it. Among those include the livelihood programs of the Department of Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), DSWD, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture, and local government units in general.

“Organized PWDs can avail of the livelihood programs provided by government agencies. They should then manage well the funds provided for them by the government and should follow proper liquidation…the government agencies will then conduct constant monitoring to PWDs who availed the program,” said Labanon.

Meanwhile, Labanon bared that the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) week celebration with this year’s theme: “Sa Istrukturang Accessible, Lahat ay Able”, will kick-off on July 17, and will end on July 23, 2010 with various activities for the whole week to be undertaken by partner-agencies in the government. (PIA-Caraga)
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Cebuano News: P30M alang sa irigasyon gipangayo

Pinaagi sa Sanguniang Resolution No. 150-2010 gihangyo karon sa probinsya si Presidente Arroyo nga mogahin og Traynta Milyones Pesos (P30 M) isip tabang sa pag-ayo sa Mat-i, Ambacon-Pinanaan (MAP) irrigation project.

Ang nasangpit nga irigasyon napundar kaniadto pang 2003 aron igong makahatag og patubig sa gatusan ka ektaryang yuta sa lungsod sa Las Nieves ug mga kaikbit nga mga lugar.

Tungod sa kalamidad sa tuig 2009, ang maong proyekto napuno sa yuta nga midahili gikan sa bukid ug natabonan kini.

Ang NIA-Caraga nga mihangyo sa Central Office og P50M apan P 20M lang ang naaprobahan.

Busa aron kini ma-implementar, ang kantidad nga P30M gipangayo kang Presidente Arroyo aron matuman ang katuyuan sa maong proyekto sa Barangay Mat-i, Las Nieves, ning probinsya.
Nanghinaot si Bokal Francisco J. Rosales, ang nangamahan sa resolusyon, nga maaksyunan kini sa Presidente sa dili pa mahuman ang iyang termino. (AGNOR Bulletin/PIA-Caraga)