All 63 passengers and crew of a disabled inter-island ferry were rescued Friday after drifting for eight hours off Surigao Del Norte province, the Coast Guard said Saturday.

Chief Petty Officer Vivencio Bionaldo, deputy station commander of the Coast Guard station in Surigao City, told the Inquirer by telephone that the passengers and crew of the M/V Grand Star 1 were safe and had all been accounted for.

The M/V Grand Star 1, which is owned by Maharlika Shipping, left Liloan port in Southern Leyte around 8 a.m for Lipata port in Surigao City but developed engine trouble two hours later as it was navigating through the Surigao Strait of Bilal Point, prompting the skipper to radio for help.

Bionaldo said the rescue went smoothly because of good weather, but it was not immediately clear why it took eight hours to reach the drifting vessel.

The vessel has been towed by its sister vessel M/V Grand Star 5 to Lipata port and was undergoing repairs, Bionaldo said. (Franklin Caliguid)
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I AM a full-blooded Mindanaoan. I was born and grew up in Dipolog City. My heart bleeds every time I hear about the armed conflict in the island. I can only ask myself: Can we really achieve genuine and lasting peace in what is known as the Land of Promise? But I have to clarify that it is not the entire island of Mindanao whose peace and order is deteriorating. My home province, Zamboanga del Norte, is very peaceful except in some areas like in Siraway, Sibuco and Siocon municipalities, where there are presence of Muslim rebels.

Some of the baragays in these municipalities are being claimed by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as ancestral domain to be included in the expanded Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm) under the soon to be created Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE) based on the controversial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) by goverment peace panel and their MILF counterpart. These towns are situated in the tip most of the province going to Zamboanga City, which is hundred kilometers away from the province’s capital, Dipolog City.

The troubled areas are only in Basilan and Sulu in Western Mindanao because of the presence of MILF and the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf, and in Lanao Del Norte, Lanao Del Sur and Maguindanao in Central Mindanao and in North Cotabato areas. North Cotabato reminds me of one of the songs by Asin, a popular folk singing group in the 70’s, “Ang Bayan Kong Sinilangan.”

The song was composed by the late Cesar ‘Saro’ Bañares, Asin member who was a native of North Cotabato. The song described the protracted armed conflict in the area which had been going on for several decades. Bañares was stabbed dead several years ago inside a bar in his native town. Other areas in Mindanao which are peaceful are the Christian dominated areas like in Agusan, Surigao, Bukidnon and Davao provinces.

Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo introduced a new approach to solve the Mindanao conflict amid the renewed fighting between the Muslim separatist group and government forces. She described her new approach as DDR which means disarmament, demobilization and rehabilitation. She wants the Muslim rebels to lay down their arms and return to the negotiating table. She urged them to show their sincerity in the negotiation process.

Pres. Arroyo must be dreaming when she talks about disarmament. I can’t imagine the Muslim rebels giving up their firearms. They can give up their wives but not their firearms. They considered firearms as their twins. Having firearms is their way of life. It is their culture. If you go to the rural areas dominated by Muslim, you will see people carrying high-powered firearms even if they are just tilling their lands and pasturing their animals.

It is funny because in the urban areas our authorities are very strict in implementing laws on possessing and carrying of firearms. But in Muslim-dominated areas these laws are not heard of. Even kids carried firearms.

The late dictator Ferdinand Marcos tried this before by luring the Muslim rebels to give up their arms in exchange for huge monetary consideration under his rebel amnesty program. Yes. the Muslim rebels gave up their firearms but only the defective ones.

An all-out war is neither the solution to the Mindanao problem because even if government forces kill all the rebels now, there will be another generation to come. Experience tells us the armed conflict in that area is a vicious cycle. The Muslim rebels have been fighting for decades now. How many lives had been lost from their side? But until now they continue to regain and strengthen their forces. Former president Joseph Estrada tried this formula but it did not solve the problem.

I support the ongoing military action against the Muslim rebels who sowed terror recently, like the group of MILF Commanders Ombra Kato and Bravo. They should be taught a lesson for committing those atrocities. But I still firmly believe that peace negotiation is still the key to achieve lasting peace in the Land of Promise. The government and MILF should continue their peace negotiation but with sincerity.(Bobby Nalzaro)

(bgnalzaro@gmanetwork.com / 0916-6644999)

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It appears that camps against the up-coming candidacy of Cocoy for City Mayor is concentrating on their attacked on me rather than of my son. Probably because, no issue they can point on to cocoy sering’s political career and character.

The former City Mayor said, that criticism brought about him were all old, obsolete, and overtaken by events while others were product of ignorance and lack of correct information. He said that the issue of political dynasty is baseless and without merit and a product of ignorance lack of correct grasp of the true meaning of the words, implying that the word dynasty is the dynasty implied to the Chinese rule way back from 14th to 16th period. Dynasty in the previous is autocratic forms of government were the ruler determines his successor, without the people intervening the rulers decision.

Our present democratic system is far from different because our leaders were chosen directly by the people and not by the incumbent holder of power. Our congress attempted to pass a law on this regard, but somehow stacked and failed to do so, noticing that there is no such thing as political dynasty in truest meaning of the word. The older Sering said that when the people elected the next keen or relative in lieu to the position held by the same family lineage does not mean family dynasty, because it’s the people choice expressed in an election process and not appointed by the incumbent member of the family holding the position. Another issue implied by some of my detractors is with regards to my alleged treatment with my past political alliances, passing rumors and lies, intending to poison the minds of the Surigaonons, and that I have allegedly outsmarted them with treachery in pursuing my political ends, were all blatant lies and fabricated, sering said. In fact the people of Surigao never believed on them, and spoken their way out, and elected my son Yayay as City Mayor of Surigao, who unexpectedly meet an accident and died, before he complete his term, and then when I encourage my youngest son Cocoy to run for City Councilor, the people backed him up to the council, and in spite that he failed to complete his term for health reason, the people elected him to his present position with an overwhelming vote as Vice Mayor of our city. The psychological reason, why people elected the relatives of the family who were in politics, is based on the performance of the latter, Sering said. Probably the people of Surigao looked upon my record of performance as former mayor of Surigao, sering continues, I transform Surigao into an entrepreneurial city and lay the economic foundation of the city, by constructing commercial buildings, such as a new public market, bus terminal, city hotel and what is now known as metro surigao building, just to name a few. Almost if not all barangay roads were concreted, seawalls constructed at island barangays and completed Surigao City Boulevard. Main streets were provided with modern street lighting during my term. These factors were perhaps the reason why the people trusted members of my family and elected them to public office sering explains.

With general election coming on tract in 2010, I caution the people of Surigao to avoid tourist candidates aiming for local positions while residing outside the place they purportedly intend to serve sering concluded. (Noel Fazon)

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Introduction

This article attempts to gather some insights on ecotourism, in particular the contentious issues that have cropped up in relation to theory and actual practice. It proceeds from the framework that ecotourism is one potential area of investment whose larger benefits should accrue to the local communities in that, in the final analysis, they absorb the direct weight of hosting an industry that may exact adverse, long-term social costs. As such, it takes a critical view of state- or corporate-run ecotourism ventures for the simple reason that they have, for the most part, failed to live up to expectations.

To be fair, it could be that the shortcomings have resulted from a lack of introspection on what ecotourism should be. Aside from the change in name there has been no significant departure from the practices of conventional tourism. Profit remains the main obsession of government and corporate investors in ecotourism. The problem, however, is not profit per se but the overwhelming tendency to maximize it to the detriment of an area's ecology and the welfare of local communities.

Local communities, on the other hand, bear the brunt of the negative impacts of ecotourism. Among these are environmental hazards and degradation, poorly implemented or nonexistent regulations, threats to indigenous cultures and displacement.

These realities spell doom for ecologically important areas which, ironically, ecotourism seeks to sustain, if not enhance. Hence, the need to implement community-based ecotourism, or a kind of ecotourism wherein the local community maintains full or major control over the project and the profits or benefits derived from it. The approach calls for community development and participation of the marginalized groups instead of regional or national development.

In a nutshell, therefore, ecotourism requires, at the minimum, [a] ecosystem conservation and [b] livelihood for local communities the sustainability of which rests on setting a balance between the two elements. Too much of conservation will deprive the people of sufficient economic benefits and force them to eventually use up the resource to make a living. Similarly, too much of livelihood will put a strain on the ecosystem and cause the disappearance of valuable species.

Problems with definition

Ecotourism is generally defined as a form of tourism that strives to minimize ecological or other damage to areas visited for their natural or cultural interest. It involves travel to destinations where biodiversity and cultural heritage are the primary attractions.

But while this definition sounds harmless the problem lies in the fact that different sectors have different interpretations on how it should be implemented. Environmentalists, corporations and governments view the same thing from divergent planes. The latter two simply append the prefix "eco" but continue doing activities that are environmentally destructive, economically exploitative, and culturally insensitive.

Some critics would call this "greenwashing", a trend towards the "commercialization of tourism schemes disguised as sustainable, nature based, and environmentally friendly ecotourism." This explains the emergence of such terms as nature tourism, low impact tourism, green tourism, bio-tourism, ecologically responsible tourism. These are used as marketing ploys for ventures that do not necessarily amount to ecotourism. If the erroneous labeling has achieved anything, it is the realization of profits by hoodwinking tourists into believing that they are patronizing things that benefit the environment.

In other words, nothing is basically new except for the admission that tourism is expected to result in some form of damage. And as the above definition suggests, damage is not only ecological. It could also be social and cultural (impact on local values and community life). What is new is that tourism has joined the environmental bandwagon by attaching the prefix "eco".

Responsible ecotourism

Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people.

Ideally, it should satisfy several criteria, such as conservation of biodiversity and cultural diversity through ecosystem protection, sharing of socio-economic benefits with local communities, minimal impact on the environment, and local culture, flora and fauna as the main attractions.

Meeting these standards would contribute to conservation not just in the ecotourism sites but also in other areas, as well-meaning tourists or visitors would likely try to ingrain in their own places the good ideas they have learned from their visits.

Mitigating the impact of tourism

The solution is not to do away with ecotourism altogether but to implement controls and restrictions, among others, so as to at least mitigate its adverse effects. For a start, the following measures are suggested:

1. regulations and penalties for violations – e.g., waste disposal, number of visitors at a given time and space, checklist of prohibited acts (similar to those imposed in protected areas)
2. environmental awareness for visitors/tourists
3. enlisting local community support with clear, substantial benefits for them

Any program that does away with local people's support is doomed to fail especially if it displaces them, which is the usual case. Discontent cause by the absence of a quid pro quo beneficial to the people results in environmental degradation, as the lack of livelihoods will force them to deplete the resources. This phenomenon explains the continuing degradation of the uplands and other resource base areas.

Moreover, the presence of ecotourists may even lead to worse forms of exploitation. For example, in Siargao Islands, a protected landscape and seascape in Surigao del Norte, residents have resorted to hunting the endangered marine turtle for sale to Japanese tourists who believe that its meat is a source of aphrodisiac.

Benefits for local communities: how much for what?

There are various ways through which host communities may be benefited by ecotourism projects. The benefits could either be direct or indirect. In most cases, the local people are able to get some benefits through indirect means in the form of trickledown opportunities – employment as porters and guides, sale of homegrown products, and other attendant gains. In this kind of arrangement, however, the amount of benefits the communities would get highly depends on the concessions the ecotourism operators (government or private) are willing to give.

This happens since most ecotourism ventures are owned or controlled by foreign investors and corporations. Local communities get but a few benefits while the super-profits line the pockets of investors instead of going to the local economy or environmental protection. Given the nature of the market being catered to and the usual services rendered by the industry, it is only able to employ a few local people who receive low wages.

Hence the ideal setup is one that enables the communities to reap direct benefits. This requires allowing them to have a wider control over a project. Control in this sense means the power over planning, management and other aspects.

It should be stressed that benefits are not only economic in nature. These could also mean the intangibles such as promotion of people's culture or cultural significance of certain areas. Furthermore, allowing communities to manage ecotourism projects preempts conflicts over land use and profits and serve as incentive for local participation in biodiversity conservation.

On the other hand, the role of local governments in this setup is to provide technical and material assistance and come up with ordinances in support to ecotourism such as those pertaining to waste management, sanitation measures, zoning and the kind of infrastructures that may be allowed. (H. Marcos C. Mordeno/MindaNews)

(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. H. Marcos C. Mordeno received in 1987 the Jose W. Diokno Award for winning in a national editorial writing contest sponsored by Ang Pahayagang Malaya and the family of the late senator.)
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Cebu Pacific (CEB) will fly to more local cities from its Cebu hub and will base two ATR72-500 aircraft in Cebu on top of the current Cebu-based four Airbus aircraft.

CEB will fly from Cebu to Dipolog, Ozamiz and Surigao. It will also start operating a Manila-Busuanga service.

Lance Y. Gokongwei, CEB president and CEO, said, “With the arrival of two more ATR aircraft, we will be able to continue adding new services to airports that cannot accommodate our bigger jets. This will also mean that we will start offering our trademark low fares in these markets, making travel affordable for more Filipinos.”

The budget airline will introduce the Cebu services to Dipolog, Ozamiz and Surigao with a P688 one-way all-inclusive fare and Manila-Busuanga with a P988 one-way all-inclusive fare. Sale period is from August 29 to September 1 and are good for travel from the start date of the particular service until December 17, 2008.

Promotional fares are on a book-and-buy basis and are non-refundable.

The seat sale fares are up to 57% lower than the fares currently offered for these routes by other airlines. After the seat sale, CEB’s all-in year-round fares are still up to 25% lower than competitors.

“We also hope to bring economic development to these new destinations as we have done in the areas we currently serve. Development in these areas cannot be achieved overnight but by careful planning and cooperation from all sectors, we expect to be a major cog in this effort,” Gokongwei added.

The Cebu-Dipolog service starts on October 3, 2008 and flies thrice weekly. The flight departs Cebu at 1:20pm and arrives at 2:10pm. The return flight to Cebu leaves at 2:30pm and arrives at 3:20pm.

The Cebu-Ozamiz thrice-weekly service starts on November 10, leaving at 10:20am and lands in Ozamis at 11:15am. The flight departs from Ozamis at 11:35am and lands in Cebu at 12:30pm.

The Cebu-Surigao flight is scheduled four-times weekly starting November 13, 2008. It departs for Surigao at 10:20am and lands at 11:10am. It leaves Surigao at 11:30am and arrives in Mactan Cebu International Airport at 12:20pm.

The daily Busuanga flights start on October 6, 2008. It departs for Busuanga at 9:05am and lands at 10:05am. It returns to Manila at 10:25am and arrives in NAIA Terminal 3 at 11:25am.

Passengers may book their flights via www.cebupacificair.com, or call 70-20-888, or visit their nearest travel agent.
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"TB-free Philippines by 2020", this is the call of the newly created Coalition Against TB of Caraga Region (CAT-Caraga) during its launching in Butuan City recently.

The coalition is formed to generate, achieve and sustain commitment on National Tuberculosis Control Program among all stakeholders.

Members of the coalition includes several regional line agencies, Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) members, Public-Private Mix DOTS (PPMD) personnel, the academe, non-government organizations, people's organizations, religious organizations, local health officers, professional associations, private hospitals and the business sector.

On the said launching, the members of the board of directors for CAT-Caraga were elected. Strategies on how to encourage more people to seek treatment for tuberculosis were also discussed during the meeting.

Given the gargantuan task of TB control in the country, there is a need to strengthen networking and collaboration to combating tuberculosis as a public health concern.

TB has been recognized as the sixth leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines, with 75 people dying every day from the disease.

Based on surveys about 100,000 new cases occur every year, ranking the Philippines number seven of the top 22 high burdened countries.

TB is particularly common in poor urban areas. A survey indicated that the urban poor developed TB 50 percent more frequently than the general urban population. (PIA-Caraga)
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A former congressman of Surigao del Norte has been absolved of the malversation charge alleging that he pocketed P1.81 million in cash when he was still mayor of Surigao City.

The Sandiganbayan's Second Division acquitted former Surigao del Norte Rep. Constantino Navarro Jr. of the 22 year case that started when he was the city's chief executive in 1986.

In its 30-page decision promulgated August 26, the graft court held that evidence presented by the prosecution was insufficient to overcome presumption of innocence in favor of the defendant.

"The pieces of evidence presented against the accused in this case does not satisfy the test of moral certainty and may not be deemed sufficient to support a conviction. His guilt was not proven beyond reasonable doubt," the court said.

Prosecutors had accused Navarro of converting his cash advances to his personal use after he failed to liquidate his accountabilities when demanded to do so by the Commission on Audit.

Navarro's cash advances consisted of P1.15 million from the city's general fund and another P664,000 from the infrastructure fund.

The court, however, said that by the auditors' own admission, the findings were "of doubtful validity", meaning "existing records and documents... did not jibe in a certain point or there are not ducments to support it."

The Sandiganbayan said books of accounts of the city for June 31, 1986 did not show such outstanding cash advances and that the accoutabilities appeared to have been 'recorded on a piecemeal basis'.

The general fund only showed a balance of P365,000 at the time the cash advance was supposedly drawn which raises a question on the source of the amount.

"Such being the case, from what sources of fund would the ex-City Treasurer have obtained the unliquidated cash advances of ex-City Mayor Navarro? There is therefore sufficent basis to conclude that there is in fact a doubtful validity on the alleged accounts of the accused," the court said. (abs-cbnnews.com)
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Petition Message:

Condemn Bloods and Crips!
Stop Calling Bloods and Crips as Fraternity and Sorority!
Identify/Call them as a GANG!
Marajaw Inter-Fraternities and Sororities Association (MIFSA) or The Union of Fraternities and Sororities

MIFSA was organized on December 26, 2006 because Mayor Alfonso S. Casurra called a congress for the Youth of Surigao City and the so-called NGO Youth Sector was identified as one of the strength of Surigao Youth Bureau. The Vice President for the said sector was a representative of the Fraternities and Sororities, since then the Fraternities and Sororities conducted several joint-projects until now especially in its pilot college the Surigao State College of Technology, Main Campus.

Fraternities and Sororities have their respective Constitutions and By-laws, Aims and Purposes were to help the community where they exist, and with identified Alumni and Student Leaders.

Initiation of Fraternities and Sororities, especially here in our city, was already mitigated in respect to the anti-hazing law and the leaders of the Fraternities and Sororities were thoroughly orienting their members to mitigate yearly the initiations to prevent severe injuries with the tertiary student applicants - NO secondary and elementary.

We admit that our traditions are not favorable to the community who don't belong to us that is why we are trying our best to let our members understand the way we understand the situation of the new era.

WHILE:

BLOODS AND CRIPS are very much opposite to the Leadership of the Fraternities and Sororities in giving various services to the community of Surigao City and Surigao del Norte as a whole. During the City Local Youth Development Planning last August 2007 the conveners identified the BLOODS, CRIPS, BATANG X, and etc... as a MERE GANG LANG not a FRATERNITY AND SORORITY.

The BLOODS AND CRIPS began as violent, local, predominantly black and Hispanic street gangs in southern Los Angeles, California, in 1969. Active and highly successful in the drug trade, members of both groups are now being discovered in numerous other cities and states where they are attempting to control the local drug trade.

The BLOODS AND CRIPS here in the city of Surigao are recruiting elementary and secondary students who are not matured in handling any kind of organizations and are easy to be persuaded to do bad acts. The BLOODS AND CRIPS organized themselves to mobilize to kill people and ruin the lives of the youth of Surigao.

The Marajaw Inter-Fraternity and Sorority Association are trying the Best Things and Ways to in-line the aims and purposes of every Fraternities and Sororities here in Surigao to the National and Local Government Goals.

With regards to our traditions, we are doing our best to gradually mitigate it.
Thank you for reading and God bless City of Surigao!
Happy Fiesta!


MIFSA Chairman
City of Surigao

Council/Organization Members of MIFSA:

1. Alpha Phi Omega
2. Alpha Theta Omega
3. Alpha Kappa Rho
4. Tau Gamma Phi
5. Gamma Kappa Phi
6. Beta Gamma Rho
7. Sigma Lambda Phi
8. Mu Lambda (Monalisa)
9. Upsilon Phi Sigma
10. Sigma Xi
11. Delta
12. POSANS
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Ubay-ubay na ang gihatag nga suporta ni Gob. Ace Barbers sa hilit nga mga kabarangayan dinhi sa atong probinsya labi na sa natad sa maayong panglawas.

Ang mga Punong Barangay nga sila si Esteban Balbada sa Cantugas-Mainit, Crisanto Larong sa Gacepan-Sison, Teofilo Napoco,Sr. sa Sico-sico-Gigaquit, Aurelio Campilan sa Sapa-Claver ug Manuelito Botero sa Mat-I sa Surigao City, nagpadayag sa ilang dakong pasalamat sa maong tabang kay sa dugay na nga panahon, ang ilang mga health centers walay igong mga kagamitan, ang mga medical equipment nga gitunol kanila ni Gob. Ace Barbers dili pa lang dugay pinaagi sa tabang sa Act for Peace Programme, maoy usa sa mga dakong tabang nga ilang nadawat sa pamunuan ni Gob. Barbers.

Gipahayag sa Gobernador, nga iya gayong siguruhon sa kanunay nga mahatagan sa saktong pagtagad ang mga kabarangayan labi na sa pagbaton sa maayong panglawas.

Nagpadayon usab karon ang pagpasiugda sa Provincial Health Office ang kanunay nga Medical Consultation and Dental Services diha sa Kapitolyo sa PHO Clinic ug laboratory. Mipahigayon usab sila sa Mass Urine Screening sa mga kabataan sa Malimono Central Elem. School ug Fasting/Random Blood Sugar determination sa mga magtutudlo niadtong miaging semana, diin gihatagan gayud dayon ug pagtambal ang may mga adunay abnormal nga mga resulta.

Kanunay usab nga gitambungan ni Gob. Ace Barbers ang regular board meeting sa Provincial Health aron sa pagtubag dayon sa mga nagkadaiyang panginahanglanon sa maayon panglawas sa tibuok probinsya.

Dako ang pasalamat ni Doc. Audie Relliquette sa gipakita ni Gob. Ace Barbers nga suporta diin makabaton na usab ang atong mga kaigsuonan sa Bucas Grande Islands sa mga nagkadaiyang medical health services sa probinsya nga pangulohan ni Gob. Ace Barbers ug Doc Audie karong katapusan nga semana sa Agosto. (Media Affairs Office)

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DAVAO has shown the way with the successful weeklong run of Kadayawan sa Dabaw festival. Now comes several other festivals and major gatherings: The tuna festival of General Santos City, the Kagay-an Festival in Cagayan de Oro City, the Hugyaw Madayaw Samal of the Island Garden City of Samal, Megayon Festival of Zamboanga del Sur, Fiesta Pilar of Zamboanga City, Lanzones Festival of Camiguin, Bonok-bonok Festival of Surigao City, and the 17th Mindanao Business Conference, which will be held this week in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.

This does not mean that we throw all caution to the wind and just party throughout all these festivals. We have to admit, times are tense, and there is some uncertainty as we're dealing with rogue elements of an armed group, the leadership of which is fast to deny involvement in any attacks.

However, that does not mean that the Mindanao people will be cowered and slink into their homes, fearful of everything and everyone.

The private sector has stated it quite correctly, "Mindanao is still in business."

The day that Mindanao will stop its usual activities to cower in fear will be the day that the rogue elements of our island have succeeded. That the economy will grind to a halt, which there will be heightened unrest and distrust of government is what those against the government's wants. It doesn't matter is in the process, tens of thousands will lose their livelihood, or suffer hunger. People, after all, are just collateral damage in these kinds of war.

Vigilance is still on top of the list of our roles as citizens of this island. It is up to us to keep an eye on our communities to observe anything unusual that's going on. It is up to us to forge strong communities who will take care of each other. It is up to us to keep on living because we have chosen Mindanao as our homeland.

As a news release from the USAid's Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) quoted Mindanao Business Council and Regional Development Council 11 chair Vicente Lao, "These things have happened before and you just take them in stride. The benefits you stand to gain from doing business in Mindanao still far exceed the risks you factor into locating here." (sun-star)
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Niadtong Agosto 20, si Gov. Robert Ace Barbers mitambong sa gipahigayon nga orientation/forum sa updated Local Planning Investment Programming, Revenue Administration, Budgeting & Accounting Procedures for LGUs nga gipasiugda sa DILG sa Provincial Convention Center.

Ang batan-ong Gobernador Ace Barbers mipadayag sa iyang dakong pasalamat sa maong okasyon, diin makakat-on sa mga bag-ong pamaagi sa mga nahisgutang topiko ang tanang mga lumilihok sa mga local nga pangagamhanan, labi na ang mga MPDC's (Municipal Planning Development Coordinators) sa tibuok probinsya, aron usab sa pagkab-ot sa mas maayong sistema sa pagplano sa mga nagkadaiyang programa pinaagi sa "rationalizes planning".

Sa laing bahin, sa susamang adlaw, malampuson usab nga gipahigayon ang overview sa bag-o nga Bioreactor didto sa Administrator's Conference Room, diin gitambongan kini sa atong Provincial Administrator Adolfo Pantilo, Sr., DOST Chief Microbiology & Genetics Division, Engr. Gumapac ug PEMO Chief Antonieto Charcos.

Nagkanayon si Engr. Cabacang, nga dili unta masagulan ug kolor sa pulitika ang maong proyekto aron sa pagsiguro nga magmakanunayon ang maong programa, labi na nga dako ang tabang niini sa atong pagdumala sa atong mga basura aron maampingan ug maprotektahan ang atong kinaiyahan.

Sa dugang kalamboan, gipahigayon usab karong adlawa (Agosto 21) ang pinakauna nga Gov. Ace Barbers Dragon Boat Friendship Games Orientation Seminar sa tanang interesadong musalmot sa sports event. Dako ang kalipay ni Gov. Ace Barbers sa ubay-ubay ngaa misuporta ug nagpakita sa ilang interes sa maong kalihokan nga gipasiugdahan sa Philippine Dragon Boat Federation.

Buot sa batan-ong gobernador nga mailhan usab ang probinsya sa Surigao del Norte dili lamang sa surfing, kundi usab usa sa Adventure Tourism destination sa Asya.

Ang maong kalihokan giabagan usab sa Provincial Tourism Office diin natapos kini niadtong Agosto 22, 2008. (Media Affairs Office)
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After two successful projects of granting scholarships to deserving college students and providing old but still usable textbooks to elementary schools in the Philippines, the United Surigaonon Association in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia (USA-EPSA), a regional organization of Filipinos from the provinces of Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte, officially launched a campaign to promote the tourism and investment potentials of their two provinces and their respective cities.

The tourism and investment drive, targeting overseas Filipino workers and foreigners alike, was announced during the 4th annual general assembly of the USA-EPSA held last Friday at the Philippine School in Dammam (PSD).

“The provinces of Surigao and Surigao City are endowed with all the amenities and infrastructure necessary for tourist destinations and have investment opportunities for overseas Filipino workers,” said Ferdinand Arana, founding president and adviser of the association, updating the Filipino community on the current projects of USA-EPSA.

Arana said information materials promoting tourism and investments in the provinces of Surigao and their cities, located in the Caraga administrative region of the Philippines, will soon be distributed among OFWs and their families in Saudi Arabia.

Imelda L. Manalang, another adviser of the association, said the tourism spots in Surigao provinces are among the finest in the Philippines and probably in Asia. “We offer these beautiful spots not only to our compatriots overseas, but to all foreigners who are looking for world-class tourism destinations,” she said.

As for the investment potentials of Surigao, the provinces have industries, mining, agro-industrial, and tourism business opportunities, according to Arana and Manalang.
USA-EPSA, which was founded in 2000 with 15 members and now has over 300 members, launched its scholarship program in 2006 starting with two scholars. The association is now evaluating applicants for its next batch of scholars.

The book donation campaign, called Aklat Mo, Tagumpay Ko, benefited three elementary schools in Surigao del Norte and Surigao City. The books were collected from the International Philippine School in Al Khobar (IPSA) and Philippine School in Dammam (PSD).

The drive to donate usable textbooks to schools in Surigao will continue. Solicitation of usable textbooks will be expanded to other international schools in Eastern Province, not only from Filipino schools.

As part of the campaign to encourage Filipino students to excel in their studies, the associatioin this year awarded three students the Rafael E. Seguis Leadership Award (named after Rafael E. Seguis, former Philippine ambassador to Saudi Arabia). The student-awardees were Edsel Magtoto, who was president of the supreme student council of IPSA and who led the successful collection of old textbooks from his school, James Manalo of PSD who excelled in both academics and extra-curricular activities, and Kimverlie Molina, also of PSD, who brought fame to Filipino students in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia in the international arena by winning the The Filipino Channel Popstar Grand Championship held in Dubai last year.

During the 4th general assembly of the USA-EPSA, the newly elected officers were inducted into office by Philippine labor attaché David Des T. Dicang, who was also the guest speaker.

Inducted into office were Ted Cagampang, president; Ferdie Magallanes, executive vice president; Pol Eledia, external vice president; Jun Eledia, internal vice president; Greg Barcos, secretary; Romy Elizaga, assistant secretary; Vice Dela Costa, treasurer; Felix Ycong, assistant treasurer; Ric Gloria, auditor; Jess Angchangco, assistant auditor; Ted Picol, press relations officer, Louie Catubigan, assistant press relations officer; Larry Cabago, business manager; Cheruyl Caguimbal, assistant business manager; Danny Sumampong, sergeant-at-arms; and Imee Manalang, adviser.

The highlight of the USA-EPSA fourth general assembly was the giving of the RESLA award to outstanding leaders of the organization. The recipients of the RESLA awards this year were Ferdinand Arana, founding president of the USA-EPSA, Imelda Manalang, outgoing president, and Jun Eledia. Other recipients of the USA-EPSA 2007 service awards were Agnes Eledia (outstanding committee chairperson), Greg Barcos (most outstanding member), Pol Eledia, Ferdie Magallanes, Charlie Dahug, Roger Manalang, Claire Cagampang, Felix Ycong, and Cheryl Caguimbal.

Ted Cagampang, in his acceptance speech as the newly elected president of the association, urged USA-EPSA members to improve themselves while working in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere overseas. “It is by achieving success and progress in ourselves that we could also provide help and support to our less fortunate countrymen,” he said.(Joe Avancena, Saudi Gazette)
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It is not justice that the New People's Army (NPA) are fighting for, but in truth… their thrust is violence and fear as a way to control the people!

The recent atrocity that the NPA did to Barangay Ladgaron, Claver, Surigao del Norte and Barangay Salvacion, Trento, Agusan del Sur and in the many areas that they unleash terror, is evident that they are deceiving the people of the cause that they are advocating - a new Philippines that is united, just and prosperous.

The NPA claims to be fighting for freedom, justice and unity but they are the very ones who steal the freedom of the people by replacing it with fear. They burn transport vehicles, transmission equipment, and attack peaceful barangays among the other terrorist activities that they conduct…instilling fear among the masses…the masses they claim they are protecting.

Caraga Police Director PCSUPT Jaime Eloreta Milla, CEO VI strongly condemned the recent burning of transmission tower in Claver, Surigao del Norte and burning of ten-wheeler truck in Trento, Agusan del Sur, clarifying that it is a clear terrorist act by the rebel group.

RD Milla ordered immediate deployment of troops following the incident in the areas. Personnel from nearby police stations and mobile group made a blockade to possible escape routes of rebels, while elements of Philippine Army are conducting hot pursuit operations to the fleeing rebels. Police Stations in the region were alerted for possible attacks of NPA. RD Milla calls on the community particularly the businesspersons to immediately report to nearest police station any extortion activities by the NPA, so the police can take immediate action on the matter.

He added that the PNP is now in the active support to the AFP in compliance with Executive Order No. 546, directing the police to actively support the Philippine Army in Internal Security Operations for the suppression of insurgency and other serious threats to national security. The principle of coordination and integration of efforts requires the military and police to work cohesively in order to ensure a focused, effective and holistic approach in addressing insurgency in the region.

What will happen to our homeland if the rebels continue in sowing terror? What progress or improvement we can expect?

We cannot afford to let these criminals continue in their actions and they don't deserve the support of the community, they just only give false hope. The NPA is not a better judge on what is right and wrong. Their ways and strategies bring chaos and havoc to the citizenry especially that they do not submit to the laws. They steal the future of the youth by polluting their minds, brainwashing to join them and putting them in the frontline of their so-called war, and deprive them of living the good and successful lives that they should have. In short, they damage families and destroy properties.

The Philippine National Police call upon all people to be alert at all times and be quick to inform the authorities especially if there's suspicious activities in their community. Communities are warned not to believe too easily on any forums or recruitment activities by NPA. Let's fight these terrorists' acts by being vigilant and supportive to authorities and the laws of the land. We only have one country. Let us protect it from the NPA. (PSI Nelly Tabornal Villagarcia, PNP-PRO-13)
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PNP elements of Del Carmen Municipal Police Station led by PO3 Ruel T Perlas arrests suspects identified as Anafel Asupan Balde, 32 years old, married, housekeeper and Felizardo Asupan, 78 years old, married, jobless and both are resident of Barangay Cabugao, Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte by virtue of Warrant of Arrest (WOA) issued by Hon Judge Evangeline Yuipco Bayana, Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge, Branch 31, Dapa, Surigao del Norte for the crime of qualified theft docketed under CC number 101-08 with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 24,000.00 each, held on Tuesday (August 19) at 9:30 in the morning.

Arrested persons now detained at Del Carmen MPS for proper disposition. (PNP Caraga)

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The recent count of support thrown by barangay officials in the city of Surigao for the coming bid of Vice Mayor Salvador Rico Sering, for city mayor in 2010, has reached 78% or a total of 42 barangay captains out of 54 barangays comprising the city of Surigao, together with 90% of barangay kagawads and purok chairmen, strongly backing up their respective barangay captains, supporting the Vice Mayor.

The count is based on the barangay officials and purok chairmen who voluntarily went to the residence of former mayor Salvador Sering, and personally pledged and signify their whole hearted support, and requested the Vice Mayor to run for mayor come 2010 election.

Lyndon S. Barbers got 11% or 6 barangay captains, Ernesto T. Matugas 9% or 5 barangay captains, while Eduardo Arriba got 1% or 1 barangay captain, respectively for their bid for mayoralty position.

All the barangay officials and purok chairmen affixed their signatures to affirmed their presence and support to the candidacy of Cocoy Sering for city mayor of Surigao. In fact, interested persons can verify the veracity of the survey from the barangay officials themselves in the 54 barangays of Surigao City, so they can attest the true facts rather than fiction as compared to the internet survey probably commissioned by an interested candidate also for 2010.

The present figures with a margin of plus or minus 3% is considered the most accurate of all other surveys now prevailing in the city of Surigao with regards to political alliances for city mayor.
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MATA SA PALIBOT ni TONY C. ESPERAME


Sa politikanhon kahimtang unahon ta ang Siargao sa pagka kuman kon dunay buot moatbang karon uma-abot piniliay lisud pildihon si Kongresman Matugas tungod kay ubay-ubay ang mga lig-on nga mayor anaa nagpaluyo kaniya…ug labi na karon nagkadaku ug milapad pagsamot ang iyang mga nahimong karajawan sa mga kalungsoran hangtud ngadto sa mga kabarangayan.

Plano sa pikas nga si Martin Andanar sa SOS maoy pinaka sa best iatbang kang kongresman Matugas… dili kini molampos bisan kon kuartahan pa ini sija tungod kay an ija batasan dili pangmasa, hadlokanon sa pampolitika ug sa ubos dili siya madawat…

Pinaka da best matud pa sa mga karaan ug nasuhito sa kahimtang diha sa Siargao duha ang pinaka da best: si Ompong Navarro kon dili si Sonny Boy Navarro… tungod kay ini sila adunay baluarte, may ngayan isab sila diha na lugar ug labaw sa tanan dungganon ang mga Navarro… matud pa sa mga karaan.

Karon ka suportahan lamang ang mga Navarro bisan kon gamay nga salapi nga sarang ikapahalipay sa katawhan daug na…ang ila giasaligan: Dapa, Del Carmen, GL, Burgos, Socorro ug San Isidro…

Sa Claver naglisud ang pikas partido pildehon ang kandedato ni Mayor Eddie Go pagka Mayor tungod kay gawas nga plastado ug lig-on kuartahan kini…

Matud pa sa ila supporter-“Sus kon si Nene rakan hehehe bisan pa kon paunahon namo sija nan 3 ka bulan sa pagpangampanya kataw-an ra namo … di gihapon jaon modaug.”

May nakabati kan Matugas nga sija mismo hadlok sa liderato ni Eddie Go matud pa nila ila nabati nga sija (Matugas) mismo ang miingon-“kon si Nene jaon bise mayor kuman amoy moatbang sa kandedato ni Eddie disgrasya kita di jaon nija makaya…kuartahan ug establisado an ija grupo.”

Si Casurra karon bag-o nakahukom na dili na gajud modyagan pa bisan uno pa na position…ini amoy hohongihong kuman. Gusto ni Alas na si Taba amoy padyaganon pagkamayor sa ciudad konplikto ini sa interes ni Casurra tungod kay an ija (Casurra) gusto amo man si Cocoy.

Si Cocoy pinaagi sa liderato nan ija tatay nakahakop nan 39 ka mga kapitan sulod sa 54 ka mga barangay sa dakbayan samtang si Taba adunay 9 ka kapitanes lamang ug si Engineer 3 ra ka kapitanes luoy si Atty. kay waya pay klaro kon hain an ija tingali makuha nija an luna.

“Na mag-uno man jaon imo ang tanan mga kapitanes pero ang katawhan dili imo pero si Engineer kontrolado man nija an katawhan, susiha sa mga ka barangayan pila ang ila lider sa matag barangay?” amo ini sab an ila tagsaligan.

Motoo ba kamo na isa sa mga factor na amoy makapilde sa isa ka kandedato amo an ija asawa? Lumon? Barkada? Silingan o di kaha Kabit? Ini sija tinuod daku na kadaut perwisyo ini kon amo ra isab an mounay dimo pero mas adunay bug–at pa diha kon an imo spokesman sa radio abusado ug hambugero aw lukapa gajud ka… (Published last August 1-7, 2008 issue of Surigao Newswatch)

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After an absence last year, organizers have again set in motion collective resources and efforts to revive the Search for Mutya Nan Surigao and bring fame to Surigao by finding a true representative of beauty, intelligence and elegance! She and her entourage will become Surigao’s official delegates to the national Binibining Pilipinas, Mutya Nan Pilipinas and Miss Earth Philippines contests.

Mutya Nan Surigao. The Most Prestigious Pageant in Surigao.

The Mutya Nan Surigao seeks to crown deserving women who possess the elements of Beauty, Intelligence, and Elegance. A woman who can carry the weight of her crown.

The official logo depicts the three values of beauty, intelligence and elegance born on the crown of the Mutya as the three stars. The purple color is a sign of royalty and refinement. The graceful woman seen prancing symbolizes the modern woman who is fluid, adaptable and graceful. The crown also resembles the Trident symbol reflecting the sea nature of Surigao and the closeness of its people to the water that surrounds Surigao and its islands.

Mutya Nan Surigao Universe, Mutya Nan Surigao Pilipinas, and Mutya Nan Surigao Earth will be the awards awaiting the deserving ladies, who shall become the official candidates of Surigao to the national level competitions. These ladies will also be Surigao’s ambassadresses of beauty during social functions and parties of the City and Community.

The Search for Mutya Nan Surigao is held every year during the first week of September as part of the Charter anniversary and Fiesta celebrations of Surigao City. Eligible candidates must be high school or college students of Surigao City and Surigao del Norte schools, 16 to 22 years old, at least 5’4” in height, must be fluent in both written and spoken English and Tagalog languages. As an ambassadress of Surigao, she must be knowledgeable of Surigao’s history, culture, tourist attractions and modern facts.

Official Awards

FIRST - MUTYA NAN SURIGAO UNIVERSE
SECOND - MUTYA NAN SURIGAO PILIPINAS
THIRD - MUTYA NAN SURIGAO EARTH

MISS CONGENIALITY
MISS MEDIA
MISS PHOTOGENIC
BEST IN CASUAL
BEST IN BEACH WEAR
BEST IN GOWN

Official Schedule for Search for Mutya Nan Surigao 2008:

*Presentation to Media 2 pm, August 23, 2008, Kapihan Nan Surigao, Hotel Tavern Surigao
*Courtesy Call to Officials 8 am, August 28, 2008, Surigao City Hall and Provincial Capitol
*Tourism Tour 1 pm, August 28, 2008, Daydream Laguna Resort, Day-Asan
*Courtesy Call to Sponsors 1 pm, August 29, 2008, Surigao City Hall and various establishments
*Charter Day Parade 8 am, August 31, 2008, Surigao Boulevard
*Pageant Night 7 pm, September 2, 2008, Surigao Provincial Convention Center

Tickets will be sold at P100 and P50 on Pageant Night. This is an annual project of the Surigao Tourism Council Inc. with Mr. Jake Miranda, Chairman, as Producer and Organizer, Ms. Alice Espejon as Chairperson for the Search Committee, Ms. Roselyn Merlin City Tourism Officer as Coordinator, Mr. Gregorio “Goyong” Go as Pageant Director. Mr. Bermund Ugalde, as Project Officer can be reached at Telefax: (086) 826-7716/826-0264, and Mobile No.: (0922)849-6444.

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Tourism Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano is optimistic that these twin programs of the Department of Tourism (DOT), GREET and TURISMO MISMO would boost the Philippine's prospect of becoming globally competitive tourist destination, it was gathered.

Foreign-tourists arrivals in the country have already reached the 3 million mark since he assumed the post as Tourism Secretary, the report also added.

Tourism is a gross dollar-earner industry that enhance economy growth of a country or a specific city in particular, hence, these twin programs, GREET which stands for Grassroots Entrepreneurship and Employment in Tourism and TURISMO MISMO (ang sagot sa kahirapan) would further strengthen our competitiveness in the international market with the active participation of the local residents. This would also generate employment in their respective areas.

GREET is a program that aims to extend livelihood opportunities to aspiring entrepreneurs in eco-tourism while TURISMO MISMO would complement and continues the GREET Program. Existing stakeholders can use the grant to prove their products and services thru access capital and providing skills and knowledge, values formation, and other entitlements.

GREET target goals are: employment generation; livelihood creation; balanced ecology & environmental protection; promotion and marketing of eco-tourism sites as potential tourist destinations; and tourism development.

While TURISMO MISMO would promote and implement DOT campaigns for sustainable tourism; and provide access to capacity building, skills training, and livelihood conceptualization.

In Caraga Region, there are eight GREET grantees that include: 1. Grant A Scuba Professional One Complete Set of Dive Equipment for Daniel Dominic N. Calo in Agusan del Norte; 2. Agusan del Sur Eco-tourism Adventure for Arnel C. Pasilan in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur; 3. Masao River Kayak for Butuan Global Forum, Inc.; 4. Snorkeling at the Vinapor Beach Park for Butuan Global Forum, Inc.; 5. Palay Travel and Tours Nature Escapade for Palay Travel & Tours; 6. Catering Services Project in Surigao City for Women in Service for Eco-tourism Association (WISE); 7. Day-asan Yong Entrepreneurs Eco-tours Project in Surigao City for SNCAT-IMSF Alumni; 8. R.E. Ecleo Sr. Adventure Program: Mangrove Sneaking for SNCAT-REESPC Alumni in Dinagat Islands.

According to these grantees, with the initial grants coming from the Department of Tourism, they are really thankful of the opportunity given to them and are hopeful that it would improve their lives and to sustain their respective projects in the promotion of the tourism industry in their areas. (Northern Mindanao Chronicle)
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Carefully holding a pencil in her hand, Fe draws a straight line and a curve forming the letter "r" to complete the word "mother." Beside her are fellow learners - parents and children seated closely together so that each has a portion in the small table to write.

Salty air fills the room as sounds of waves gently kissing the shore below the community center completed the learning atmosphere every Wednesday in Brgy. Canlanipa, Surigao City.

Fe is just one of the 34 Badjao learners who benefited from the Alternative Learning System implemented by the Department of Education which was fully supported by the local government of Surigao City.

In her testimony, Fe said promising changes occurred in their way of life after they learned how to read and write and optimized their counting ability. She said that because of the Basic Literacy Mobile Program, some of the Badjaos stopped their usual practice of waiting for somebody to drop a coin in the sea along pier area or begging for money in the streets. She added that some of them already engaged in selling ukay-ukay items or pearls to tourists or to local people. She also said that more frequent than before, husbands, sons or brothers who caught fishes or other marine products now directly sell their catch to market vendors.

Fe is amazed how the knowledge of reading, writing and counting numbers made a difference in their lives as she have observed in her fellow Badjaos who now ventured into new ways of living which they would not do before acquiring the skills. But this change is just one of the many targets the Department of Education in Surigao City is trying to achieve.

DepEd Schools Division Supt. Susan Cuizon disclosed that the unique success of the literacy program lies in the support of the city government. She said DepEd has provided the manpower and the technicalities but would not have achieved as much as they have now without the financial assistance from the local government spearheaded by Mayor Alfonso Casurra.

Supt. Cuizon said that for the Badjao community, the local government of Surigao City provided school supplies and other learning materials for the learners and for the center. She added that the local government also construct and repair the bridges in going to the community for easy access and transport of goods and others. She also said that the city government also provided the P1,500 every month honorarium for the Badjao translator which is a big help to the ALS mobile teacher.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Rico Salvador Sering said that with the strong partnership between DepEd and the City Government, the literacy rate of the people in Surigao City is now 80-90%. Vice Mayor Sering is hopeful that as the good implementation of the program continues, illiteracy will finally be eradicated in his area.

Just as what Hermiette Lerog, ALS Mobile Teacher whose heart soared high as one of her learners told him "sir, ako na po ang nagsulat ng pangalan ng ibinoto ko nung eleksyon," more people can improve the way they view life and in the end make a difference in their lives. And this could only happen if literacy programs will be continuously implemented with the same intensity as the DepEd and local government of Surigao City are doing now. So that in the not so distant future, more people like Fe can enjoy the promise of life. (Jose Jemuel Dael, PIA-Caraga)
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MATA SA PALIBOT ni TONY C. ESPERAME

Dunay mapa-inubsanon,dili garaon ug hambogero… duna sab kusog mopasiatab ug mopasikat sa ija kaugalingon…bisan kon bulok magpakarung-ingnon bright, bisan kon pobre, magpakadato ug adunahan.

Dunay sugounon ra ug binayaran tungod kay suloguon lamang sa iyang amo… muputak usa ayha pa mangitlog…dunay kusog modikit sa politiko para malibre ug atimanon…Dunay sweldo pero tungod kay bisyuso kulang ang himuon magsigi dikit sa isa kadato ug kuartahan nga politiko aron siya kasaligan ug kabuboan sa daghang SOP o TF (Talent Fee) ija himuon ang pagdaut, pagsaway ug pagbutangbutang sa isa nija ka kauban.

Para mosamot sija ka humot sa jaon na kandidato ija sawayon an isa ka politico ilabina kon mokontra sa ija gidapigan nga politico. Dunay sab politico nga kusog mohatag, dili boxer, dili kuripot, dili hakog ug labaw sa tanan dili kawatan… friends kini sa mga independent media pero kon kaswatan na politico pilion ra an Media… Busa kita na lang ang musabot kon unsa nga klasi ini nga medya… (July 21-21, 2008 issue of Surigao Newswatch)


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Authorities and Globe officials placed at P5 million the damages at the cell site bombed by suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels early dawn Sunday in Claver, Surigao del Norte.

The cell site remained not serviceable, the officials also said.

Caraga Police Information Office headed by Police Senior Inspector Nelly T. Villagarcia said damaged during the attack at the Globe transmission tower were the control panel, main perimeter lights, tower control, power supply, structure assemble which contained two units of airconditioner, PASO link signal light, battery radio and IPU unit tower control box.

Police initial investigation result showed that the structure was secured by two security guards, identified as one Damaso Paqueo, 44 and resident of Barangay Ladgaron, Claver, Surigao del Norte; and Rico Alico, 39 and resident of Mabini, Tubajon, Dinagat Islands Province.

The guards were captured and held by the raiding NPA rebels but were later released after the bombing.

Claver police found a live hand grenade at the cell site, which was later detonated by responding soldiers belonging to the Philippine Army's 30th Infantry Battalion.

Reports reaching this region's capital said operatives from the 30th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army personnel based in Barangay Mahanub, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte are now conducting hot pursuit operation against the fleeing communist rebels.

Since June 28 after the fleeing NPA rebels sought refuge in an island in Claver, Surigao del Norte after attacking two police stations in Siargao Island, sporadic skirmishes took place in Claver town including alleged killing of two soldiers and policemen.

Aside from being host of two telecommunications giant cell sites, Globe and Smart, Claver town is also host of three mining firms operating in the area. (PNA)
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Suspected communist rebels bombed a cellular phone relay tower in the Surigao del Norte town of Claver Sunday, cutting off communication lines for thousands, the military said.

Troops launched a manhunt for the New People's Army (NPA) rebels who attacked the Globe Telecom facility, which was just a kilometer away from the nearest police outpost, the military said.

The military said thousands of subscribers were cut off from the network.

The 5,000-strong NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines which has been waging a Maoist rebellion since 1969.
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The Regional Office of the Department of Transportation and Communication, Caraga Region (DOTC-13) and the Philippine Information Agency, Caraga (PIA-13) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) and launched subsequently the implementation of the "Presidential Branding Campaign," at 3:00 P.M. August 12, Wednesday, at the DOTC Regional Office, Capitol Ave., Butuan City.

The activity was graced by no less than Ms. Cristina Castillo, Staff Director of the Philippine Information Agency, (Manila Main Office) and PIA/PMD Ms. Nelia V. Lina. The two top PIA officials represented Sec. Conrado A. Limcaoco, Jr. the Director General of the PIA, who was supposed to be the guest of honor and speaker of the occasion, but has some urgent matters to attend to in Manila, thus he sent only his representatives.

Also present during the MOA signing and the launching activity were the top regional officials and staff of the DOTC and LTFRB, Caraga Region led by DOTC Regional Director Atty. Alim D. Pangandaman and the PIA top regional officials and staff also led by their OIC Reg. Dir. Abner M. Caga.

The said activity aims to implement the "Presidential Branding Campaign" in support to the anti-poverty program of the Arroyo administration through the sticking of stickers with "Labanan ang Kahirapan" (Fight Against Poverty) emblem to all vehicles public or private which will undergo registration at the Land Transportation Office.

Atty. Pangandaman pointed out during his message for the occasion that the feeling of the country's development and progress (Ramdam Ang Kaunlaran) has found its realities not only in the city, nor in this region alone but even in the whole country as well. He said that these were clearly manifested with the establishment of the so-called "Nautical Highways" from the northernmost part of Luzon to the southernmost tip of the Island of Mindanao. Also in Metro Manila, he said that they have the Metro Railway Transits (MRTs), the Light Railway Transits (LRTs) which had expanded their services, and they also have the "world class" expressways both in the northern and the southern part of Luzon.

Major infrastructure projects have also been visible in most parts of the country which can be aptly called as "Presidential Legacies."

Even in Caraga Region, Pangandaman said that the social, health, education and infrastructure programs of the President were fully implemented. He mentioned about the administrations major road networks, the secondary roads and even those farm-to-market roads. Among the major infrastructure projects he mentioned were the Surigao-Davao Road Project, the Second Diosdado Macapagal Bridge and the future multi-million expansion of the Butuan City Airport.

The signs of progress he said, can be felt even at his own office, where in the past years they will only earn 40 million pesos a year, but now he said it has doubled to 88 million pesos as of last year. Even the LTFRB, he said who use to only earn 2 million pesos, now it has nearly tripled to 5 million. The region then, according to him, registered only more or less 2,000 units of vehicles while now it had gone up to more or less 5,000 registered units. Not just a few, he said who had registered their special utility vehicles (SUVs) which may just show that not a few can afford these luxurious vehicles here in the region.

Nonetheless, he also said that we cannot close also our eyes to the realities of poverty in our midst. These realities, according to him summons our will to fight - the fight against poverty (Labanan ang Kahirapan). He said that Caraga region is rich in resources and present not a few opportunities to work. We only need to open our eyes, to have our sheer determination to move forward, to rely on ourselves and to practice industry. He said that we can not just rely everything to the government, who just exists to provide us the opportunities, to assist and guide us but the initiative to fight poverty must come from us.

He looked back to history and mentioned that our forefathers has been successful in fighting the foreign invaders and came out victoriously. "Theres no reason why we could not also be victorious in this fight against poverty," he said.

For her part, ms. castillo hailed the joint move of the DOTC-Caraga and the PIA as unprecedented and the first of its kind in the whole country. She hoped that the other government agencies could also come up with a similar inter-agency effort to implement the President's anti-poverty campaign. She said that she commended the regional DOTC and the PIA for initiating such kind of a cooperative efforts.

She also mentioned during her message that she had been to the region before as a part of the government's "Clean and Green" monitoring team, and was surprised to find out upon her return that so much manifestations of progress and development were observable in the place. She said that signs of progress and development are manifested everywhere, however, these things should be known not only in the region but in the other places as well. hence, the importance of this information campaign by the DOTC and the PIA.

She also saw the important role which the mass media would play in this undertaking and hoped that the local media here will always support the government in such similar endeavours. (Butuan Star)
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Car thieves struck in Quezon City again, this time taking away a police official's pickup truck, radio dzMM reported Wednesday.

The report said unidentified men took a gray Mitsubishi Strada (LES-843) owned by Senior Superintendent Benhur Mongao, director of the Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office.

The policeman's son, Christopher James Mongao, said the car thieves took the pickup while parked in front of their home along Dangay St., Veterans Village in Project 7.

The Quezon City Police District's anti-carnapping division was tracking down the suspects.

Anti-carnapping divisions in Metro Manila have also been advised about the latest car theft incident in Quezon City. (abs-cbn)

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The communist New People's Army (NPA) won’t mount offensives in Siargao Islan during the invitational surfing competition there, the National Democratic Front has said.

"We guarantee this to the people of the island and to the international and local tourists who will participate and witness the surfing competition and visit during the fiesta celebrations of General Luna, Surigao del Norte," it said on the Communist Party of the Philippines website Wednesday afternoon.

The NPA, however, apologized for firing shots in a recent attack on the old municipal hall that surprised and unnerved some people.

It said the NPA made sure that no civilian was caught in the crossfire and had ordered the Red Fighters to stop firing once police forces surrender.

Also, it said the NPA medic treated a wounded policeman and made sure that the other who also wounded was brought to the hospital.

"We apologize for what happened. We also wish to inform some of the island residents whose cellular phones were confiscated that we will return or pay the unreturned units. Some of the units can no longer be returned because it got wet and were left when the NPA encountered the enemy when they withdrew to Claver. If you are one of those whose mobile phones were confiscated by the NPA, please inform us through announcements in the radio stations in Surigao City. Please include the type/brand of the cellular phone and your real name, we will pay for your lost units," it said.

But the NDF said the NPA will continue to take steps to stop the growing illegal drug trade in the island.

It said it will continue to gather evidence against drug pushers, drug lords, and their protectors.

"We call on the enlightened Surigaonons to help the NPA put an end to the illegal drug trade in the island, to secretly provide us with factual data against the drug lords and their protectors. Revolutionary justice cannot be effected without the people's support," it said.

It said it will also continue implementing the revolutionary agrarian reform program to defend the interest of the peasantry.

"Land grabbing is a serious crime committed against the people. Cases will be filed against unrepentant land grabbers or despotic landlords, they will be tried in the people's court and be punished based on the degree of their crime if proven guilty," it said. (GMANews.TV)
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As the province of Surigao del Norte is now fast becoming an adventure tourism destination in the country, the provincial government through the Provincial Tourism & Culture Office is set to hold a 1st Adventure Sports Tourism Activity this month of August.

In coordination with the League of Local Planning & Development Coordinators, the activity seeks to invite all adventure sports enthusiasts, LGU's, the academe, government line agencies and several business establishments to join the activity.

Prov'l Tourism Operations Officer Romeo Edillor of the Prov'l Tourism and Culture Office bared several activities that include Carrera Habagat Surigao Outdoor Lecture & Trainings on Adventure Race on August 14-15, 2008. This 2-day activity will be held at the Prov'l Planning & Dev't Office (PPDO) Conference Room, Capitol Compound this city. And the 1st Gov. Ace Barbers Dragon Boat Friendship Games Orientation Seminar on August 21-22, 2008 at PPDO Conference Room and Seafarers Inn & Beach Resort this city.

Edillor disclosed that a registration fee of P500 per training/workshop will be collected from the participants to cover the expenses on meals, snacks, training materials needed during the workshop.

A certificate of participation will also be given to successful participants.

For more information, please call at telephone number (086) 231-9271 or at cell phone no. 0920-8445932 and look for Ms. June Ravelo, Project Coordinator. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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The Bonok-Bonok Culture and Arts Association, Inc. through the Surigao City Tourism Office is inviting all cultural contingents in the country to participate in the 2008 Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival on September 9 this year.

The Bonok-bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival is an ethnic Mardi gras marked by street dancing and stationary festivities held in line with the annual fiesta celebration of San Nicolas de Tolentino on September 10.

The criteria for the Bonok-bonok Festival are storyline theme and concept—20%; choreography—20%; performance—25%; street dancing—25%; production design that includes costumes, music, props and sets—10%.

The dance entry shall take in the forms of street dancing (done during the parade in progressive steps) and the main dance drama or stationary dance will be performed in a place designated by the organizers.

The main dance/ritual shall be given an allotted time of 6 minutes excluding entrance and exit.

The dance entry may present a storyline or dance scenarios taken from the place being represented or inspired from various literary forms.

Prizes at stake are P250,000 plus trophy for the grand prize; P200,000 plus trophy for the 1st runner-up; P150,000 plus trophy for the 2nd runner-up; and P100,000 plus trophy for the 3rd runner-up. Participation prizes at P10,000 each and certificate of participation for non-winners.

Special awards for Best in Street Dancing is P50,000 plus trophy; Best Choreographer is P10,000 plus trophy; Best in Costume is P10,000 plus trophy and Best in Musicality is P10,000 plus trophy.

Sr. Tourism Officer Ms. Roselin Armida B. Merlin disclosed that all contingents will be provided with modest accommodation, food subsidy of P10,000 each and 5 containers of mineral water.

Interested groups who want to participate in the said festival may inquire from the City Tourism Office at Luneta Park, Borromeo Street, Surigao City for more details call the Bonok-bonok Festival 2008 Secretariat at telephone numbers (086)826-8064 or 232-7228, telefax (086) 826-4131. (Fryan E. Abkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Twenty-five participants from different government agencies and non-government groups in Surigao del Norte involved in anti-trafficking campaigns completed the re-training on Monitoring System, Information Technology and Data Information System in Surigao City last August 5, 2008.

The training which was held in Surigao Education Center Internet laboratory highlighted the completion of the successful run of the Philippine Information System on Trafficking (PHIL-IST) done by Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) and National Police Commission (Napolcom) with the assistance of the American Solidarity Center (SolCen).

SolCen Project Counselor Gillian Katrina Dupa facilitated the training assisted by Fryan Abkilan of the Philippine Information Agency in Surigao del Norte.

Board Member Regina Alaan, chairperson of the Caraga/Surigao del Norte Coalition on Anti-Trafficking, on the other hand expressed elation to SolCen for sharing their expertise and giving Surigao del Norte advocates a chance to update their skills particularly on prosecution and data-banking of TIP cases and incidents.

The system will be installed initially in the Philippine Ports Authority-Port Police Office, PNP stations in Surigao City and Norte.

Other different anti-trafficking agencies, LGUs, NGOs and groups were also encouraged by Board Member Alaan to adopt the PHIL-IST on their own.

The database development was a DILG activity delegated to Napolcom dating from the first Solidarity Center-assisted Anti-Trafficking Project. CFO, mandated by Executive Order 548-A collaborated with Napolcom to improve the system and add a module on monitoring trafficking incidents and cases. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Dako ang pagpasalamat ni Surigao City Mayor Alfonso Casurra sa P2.5 milyones nga kantidad nga iyang nadawat alang sa buhatan sa Surigao City PNP.

Ang maong kantidad gihimo pinaagi ni Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Ace Barbers.

Nadawat ni Casurra ang maong kantidad niadtong nakalabay nga semana ug pormal kini gitunol ngadto kaniya niadtong Huwebes sa buntag didto sa buhatan sa gobernador.

Matod ni Casurra nga siya nalipay sa maong kalambuan tungod kay matagaan na karon ug maayong buhatan ang kapolisan sa dakbayan sa syudad.

Gipasalig usab ni Casurra nga matapos ang maong edipisyo sulod lamang ning tuiga.

"Daku gyod akong kalipay nga sa atong gobernador pinaagi sa iyang tabang ug dakong paningkamot aron mahatagan ta og dugang pundo aron paglambo sa mga proyekto sa dakbayan sa Surigao," matod ni Casurra sa mga tigbalita.

Samtang matapos ang pagtunol namahayag ang gobernador nga adunay siyay idugang nga pundo nga P1 milyon aron kini pag-rekober sa mga presyo sa materyales nga miusbaw.

"Nitaas man gud ang mga presyo sa materyales sama sa kabilya ngadto sa 80 porsento, semento 40, mga wiring by 28% ug uban pa. Naghangyo siya kon duna pay dugang, so atong dungagan. I will program additional 1 million pesos to recover the price adjustments," matod ni Barbers.

Palanggaon sila ang gobernador mipahayag nga iyang gayod tabangan ug palanggaon ang mga kapolisan tungod kay dili siya makalimot sa sugo sa iyabg amahan nga mao si late Senator Robert Barbers.

"Abi ninyo ang akong kasingkasing magpabilin sa kapolisan tungod kay ang akong amahan usa man ka kanhi polis. Ang tugon niya nga payanggaa (palanggaon) ug ampingan ang atong mga kapolisan," matod sa gobernador.

Samtang si Surigao del Norte Vice Governor Noel Catre kinsa misaksi sa maong pagtunol sa kantidad namahayag sab nga usa kini kalamboan.

"This is a welcome move. Sigurado ko nga malipay ang kapolisan ug taga syudad nga gipangulohan ni Mayor Casurra gumikan kay ang proyekto nga nagkulang og pundo gipun-an na sa lalawigan sa Surigao del Norte pinaagi ni governor Barbers.(Super Banat)
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Wala lamang damha sa kanhi kongresista sa distrito II ug karong amahan sa lalawigan sa Surigao del Norte nga mao si Robert Ace Barbers nga malakip siya sa "Power 100" kun usa ka gatos nga mga pinoy kinsa adunay dakong gahom ug impluwensya sa natad sa politika ug pagtigayon sa nasod.

Ang maong taho migawas pinaagi sa makuti nga pagtuki sa usa ka magazine nga mao ang The BizNews Asia.

Gikataho sa maong magazine ang ika-73 nga luna sa maong han-ay (line-up) mao si Robert Ace Barbers.

Ang maong isyu gipagawas niadtong Hunyo sa nakalabay nga tuig. Matod sa maong mantalaan nga usa sa ilang basihan mao kun gi-unsa sa mga nangatundanan ug mga magpapatigayon pag kontrolar sa ekonomiya ug sistema sa politika sa nasod.

Gilakip usab sa ilang punto kun giunsa nila paggamit ang ilang gahom ug impluwensya para sa kaayohan sa tanan katawhang Pilipino ug dili lamang ang kaugalingon interes sa ilang mga patigayon maoy gipatiugbabaw.

Gisulti sa gobernador sa lalawigan sa Surigao del Norte nga dili angay niya ipasiatab ang maong pasidungog.

Gihagit hinuon karon sa gobernador ang kabatan-onan nga dapat mopakita og maayong binuhatan sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka mga gimbuhaton aron mas molambo pa ang nasod nga nagumon karon sa daghan suliran.(Super Banat)
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In a recent visit of the National Literacy Validators in the city, where the city of Surigao was chosen as one of the Top 5 contenders for the Most Outstanding LGU for Component City throughout the country, the former undersecretary of Department of Education, Dr. Minda C. Sutaria, has lauded the aggressive actions of the city government of Surigao in its bid to promote functional literacy and slowly eliminate illiteracy in the city.

Sutaria in an interview recently said functional literacy has gone further and is now the solution to the problem of poverty.

Functional literacy is the ability of the person to, not only read, write and do simple arithmetical skills but be able to communicate as well.


Local government efforts in agriculture praised

Sutaria praised the local agriculture office in the city in pushing for Alternative Learning System (ALS) to the rice farmers to promote functional literacy. "We found out that you don't have such kiosk for rice, because it is very common in the many cities of the country and so we'd like to congratulate the city for that because you're doing very well and those who are doing well in agriculture are evincing a high level of functional literacy because they learned from experiments."

Sutaria was pretty amazed by the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technology to the local farmers in Surigao wherein through the IPM Farmers Field School of the Department of Agriculture controlling of pests, diseases and weeds is now very easy. Several methods were being applied to the local farmers, one is through demonstrations and the use of IEC materials such as magazines and leaflets.

One of the suggestions however according to Sutaria is for these reading materials to be put in the reading centers because for those farmers who failed to attend the meetings/demonstrations they would just catch up by reading the materials.

Sutaria stressed that one should imbibed the idea that functional literacy is not just the ability to read, write and compute. "We're now pushing for functional literacy, and functional literacy requires that an individual can communicate effectively to all the problems scientifically and think critically and he can also use resources sustainably, this is very important because our natural resources are running out."


Dealing the differences of our Muslim brothers

Sutaria lauded the efforts of the local government in dealing the differences in one culture in the community. Sutaria made mention the Madrasah (Muslim) class in one of the schools in the city where a Christian community was able to sincerely help learn, grow and develop their Muslim brothers.

"In the past, they were neglected but here is a Christian community embracing a Muslim population, and really sincerely helping them, learn, grow and develop and I think that is the kind of unity that we should really find all over the country in order for us to really experience peace."

"With therefore, you see that functional literacy is not just reading, writing and computing it also means we should know how to take care of our environment and we should be able to expand our vision because the Philippines is largely globalize," she added.


Parolees fighting for Illiteracy

"I'm impressed," Sutaria said. "Before we came here, we read there reports, there are many things I wanted look for. In other words, whatever we saw here are not all embodied in the reports."

Sutaria was impressed with the initiative of the City Parole and Probation Office in giving hope to the probationers and parolees through the city's functional literacy program.

"I was inspired to say that one of the guys (parolee they've interviewed) in his story should really be not only repeated or perhaps even dramatized whatever or in other way as you in the media can do that very well to show how functional literacy really makes a man."

"Here was a man, who at least admitted he did wrong in the past and he thought that the world was black, dark for him. But here was a functional literacy program… so he learned how to read and write and there he saw light, no longer was the world black or dark for him, he saw light. And today he is at least economically well-off."

She then urged the parolee to tell his story and share it many times, for "it is one way by which we can convince people that to be functionally literate you have conserve a better lives." (Fryan E. Abkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Naninguha ang gobernador sa lalawigan sa Surigao del Norte nga taposon ang mga proyekto nga iyang nasugdan sa kanhi kongresista pa siya.

Mao kini ang gibutyag ni Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Ace Barbers niadtong nakalabay nga semana human mipatawag siya og tigum sa mga tigbalita didto sa iyang buhatan.

Matod sa gobernador nga naggahin karon ang probinsiya og dugang pondo aron pagtapos sa mga nasugdang proyekto sama sa mga kalsada, covered courts, multi-purpose ug uban pa.

Giklaro sa gobernador nga adunay 20 porsento pundo karon sa lalawigan gikan sa Community Development Fund (CDF) nga igahin aron paghuman sa mga gikahisgotang proyekto.

"Jaon (kana) mga projects nga atong nasugdan, waya (wala) laman jaon mahuman tungod kay natapos man akong termino pagka congressman, natural dili gyod naku matapos ang akong nasugdan," saysay ni Barbers.

Mipahibalo usab ang gobernador nga aduna pay mga supplemental budget sa lalawigan sulod karon nga tuig nga naghambin kun nag-ong-ong karon sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

"Pagma-approve jaon (kana) so pwede nasad nato maidogang ngadto sa mga proyekto sa lalawigan ug syudad sa Surigao," matod ni Barbers.

Nag-allocate pa sad ta og dugang na pundo aron mas daghan mga programa para sa katawhan sakop sa probinsiya ang makabenipisyo niini.

Mipahayag usab si Governor Barbers nga dili igo ang pundo sa lalawigan aron mahuman ang mga proyekto.

"Kulang gajud kay dili man natu mahuman tanan ang atong mga nasugdan nga mga proyekto. Phase by phase man kining tanan," matod ni Barbers.

Gipasabot sa gobernador nga dili tanan matapos ang mga proyekto sulod karon nga tuig apan iyang gipasalig nga matapos kining tanan sulod sa tulo ka tuig sa iyang termino.

"Dili man naku kini mahuman karon nga tuig apan akong ikapasalig sa mga katawhan nga matapos kining tanan by 2010. In that time, makasugod na sab ta og lain mga proyekto nga gihangyo sa mga kapitan sa intero barangay sa lalawigan," subli sa gobernador. (Roel Catoto/Super Banat Balita)
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After a long year of hibernation, the "Kapihan Nan Surigao" has finally been revived last Saturday, August 2, 2008.

Sponsored by the Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Foundation, the weekly discussion forum seeks to raise awareness and level of understanding among the Surigao community for Surigao's most significant issues.

Held at Hotel Tavern Surigao, the forum kicked-off with a signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the SCCI led by its president Jake Miranda and partners in the local media led by Jun Clerigo of the Media Association of Surigao to make sure the sustainability of this initiative.

In the MOA, the SCCI will provide snacks and venue with appropriate sound and light system. Furthermore, SCCI will invite resource speakers for each event with the concurrence of the media partners.

Discussion on the local peace and order situation was the first topic. Invited guests during the forum were the officials of the PNP in Surigao del Norte and Surigao City with Councilor Jex Bayana, chair for the City Committee on Peace and Order, and some members of the business sector.

On August 9, local issues on Traffic and Public Transportation will be tackled. (Fryan E. Abkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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The Solar Power Technology Support Project (SPOTS) worth P25,991,023.95, a government project assisted by the government of Spain, is now switched on and handed over to the agrarian reform beneficiaries in the five barangays within the Surigao City ARC III in Surigao del Norte.

Surigao City ARC III, is one of the 109 ARCs in Caraga Region which are covered by DAR-SPOTS project aiming to alleviate rural poverty and increase income in the countryside. It specifically provides lighting system in remote ARCs.

A package of support services consisting of potable water system, school building and barangay hall lighting facilities and barangay health center is provided by SPOTS. This is part of DAR's contribution to the ten-point agenda of President Arroyo for countryside development.

ARCs are composed of farmers in cluster barangays under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). In his message, DAR Regional Director Engr. Felix Aguhob said that at least 270 households are now enjoying the benefits of the solar power energy.

The barangays covered by solar power project are, Aurora, Danawan, Lipata (Sitio Sumilom), Lisondra and Zaragoza. The ceremonial switching on and turn-over was done recently by Engr. Felix Aguhob, Regional Director of DAR Caraga Regional Office, Hon. Alfonso Casurra, City Mayor of Surigao, Dir. Rueben Quejas, SPOTS II - National Project Director, Dir. Mario Marasigan of the Department of Energy, PARO Jose T. Sebucao of Surigao del Norte and other DAR and local government officials. (DAR-13/PIA-Caraga)
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Dako ang kalipay ni Gov. Ace Barbers sa rseulta nga gipadangat kaniya gikan sa buhatan ni Police Senior Supt. Benhur Mongao sa Police Provincial Office, diin ang lalawigan sa Surigao del Norte maoy rank number 1 sa bag-o nga gipahigayon nga 2nd Quarter Unit Performance Rating sa tibuok rehiyon sa Caraga.

Sa maong report, nasayran nga ang nagsunod sa Surigao del Norte mao ang City Police Office sa Butuan, 3rd ang Agusan del Sur, 4th ang Agusan del Norte, 5th ang Surigao del Sur ug 6th mao ang Dinagat Islands.

Tataw kayo nga luyo sa mga natala nga mga nagkalain-laing mga kaso sa krimen sa tibuok lalawigan, ang Surigao del Norte nagpadayon gihapon nga maoy pinakamalinawon nga probinsya sa tibuok rehiyon, Kini nagsumikad sa nagpadayon nga kooperasyon, suporta sa mga lideres nga gipangunahan ni Gov. Ace Berbers, ug ang maayong relasyon sa pagtambayayungay tali na sa kapulisan ug ang mga katawhan nga nagpakabana sa kahapsay ug kalinaw sa atong probinsya.


Dako ang pasalamat ni Gov. Ace Barbers sa gipakita nga maayong “performance” sa atong kapulisan, ug giawhag niya ang tanang mga katawhan nga ania sa atong probinsya, ma Surigaonon man o dili, nga atong ipdayon ang tinuod nga diwa ug kultura sa usa ka Surigaonon nga gusto ra sa simple nga panginabuhi ug mahigugmaon sa kahapsay ug kalinaw.

Gipanghinaot usab ni Gob. Ace Barbers nga atong ipadayon ang atong panaghiusa ug tana magpabilin ang pagtinabangay labi na ang pagtabang sa atong mga pulis ug dili lamang isalig kanila ang pagmintinar sa kahapsay ug kalinaw.

Sa makausa pa, gipaabot ni Gov. Barbers ang iyang mainiton nga pagcongratulate sa police force sa probinsya labi na sa Police Provincial Director nga si PSSupt. Benhur Mongao. (PGO-Media Affairs Office)

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A British company is set to invest P500 million in a copper gold mine in Surigao Del Norte "if an exploratory mission successfully discovers sufficient reserves of the precious minerals," the embassy of the United Kingdom here said Monday.

In a press statement, the embassy said the investment from Anglo-American, which will be followed by operations in partnership with Philex Mining and Manila Mining, is expected to create some 2,500 jobs and double local taxes in the Surigao provinces.

According to the embassy, Anglo-American is one of the biggest mining corporations in the UK with a solid track record in responsible governance and sustainable environmental development.

The company plans to invest in a province that is listed among the top 10 poorest in the Philippines.

UK Ambassador to the country Peter Beckingham expressed his support for the British company's willingness to help local people rise up from poverty while protecting the environment.

He expressed confidence that Anglo-American is committed to uphold good relations with the local government and civil society.

"I am confident that the people of Surigao Del Norte would benefit from the proposed development of a copper/gold mine by Anglo American, the UK-headquartered mining company,” Beckingham told some 100 businessmen in Surigao City
during a recent visit.

“Conversely it would be a sad day for the Philippines and the province if opposition to Anglo-American's plans prevented the new investment; jobs and money in the local community would be lost," he said.

In the first visit of a UK ambassador to the province, Beckingham also visited a number of new tourist developments in Surigao, its ports, and the Surigao Heritage Centre.

"I heard from the center that a UK adventurer, William Dampier, was one of the first ever overseas explorers to visit the Philippines and Surigao, where he landed in 1686. It would be a great full circle if the UK can return with major investments in this beautiful province in the 21st century," the top British diplomat in the country said. (inquirer.net)
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A random Operation Bakal was conducted at the Surigao City Port Borromeo St, Barangay Taft, Surigao City by the elements of Surigao City Police Station led by PSUPT Ramir Perlito Perlas, COP on Friday (August 1) at 9:00 in the evening.

The operation resulted in the arrest of the suspect identified as Lucio Briones, 24 years old, married, farmer and a resident of Sitio File, Barangay Mat-i, Surigao City where a 9MM Pietro Beretta color black with SN N571952 with one magazine loaded with five live ammos owned by the Philippine National Police was confiscated from his possession.

Suspect now detained at Surigao City Police Station while a case is being prepared for filing in court against the suspect. (pia)
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Inihayag ng Mining Embassy na balak ng British mining company Anglo-Americans na mamuhunan ng limang daang dolyar sa copper gold mine sa Surigao del Norte.

Ngunit binigyang diin din ng mining embassy na pansamantala muna nitong susuriin upang masegurong mayroong sapat na mineral reserves ng sa gayon ay maumpisahan na ang operasyon sa lugar sa pakikipagtulungan ng Philex Mining at Manila Mining.

Ayon pa kay UK Ambassador Peter Beckingham, sa pagsisimula ng operasyon sa lugar inaasahang magbubukas ito ng 2,500 trabaho sa mga mamamayang nakatira malapit sa mining site.

Ang Surigao del Norte at iba pang kalapit lugar ay napabilang sa sampung pinakamahirap na bayan sa bansa na may mataas na illiteracy rate at lubos na nangangailangan ng health care services. (pia)
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Back to basic, go natural, are the words we mostly hear of this time. This mostly refers on consumers food preference s in the market. Consumer’s preference on vegetables are those naturally or organically grown. Increased consumer awareness of safety issues and environmental concerns has contributed to the growth in organic farming over the last few years.

For decades, our agriculture production system relies on chemical agricultural inputs which is costly and bears negative effect on the environment and to human health. Good agriculture practice is the call of time to meet consumer needs and preference for products that are of high quality, safe and produced in an environmentally and socially responsible way.

With this in mind, the provincial government of Surigao del Norte thru the Provincial Agriculture Office and together with the Department of Agriculture promote organic farming. This approach focuses on biological processes such as composting and other measures that maintain soil fertility, natural pest control, crop diversification, crop rotation and other soil and crop enhancing farm activities. Enhancing soil health is the cornerstone of organic farming. Healthy soils feed healthy plants and healthy plants feed healthy animals including humans who eat both plants and animals.

To continue the promotion of organic farming, a two-day Training on Organic-based Vegetable Production was conducted in Brgy. Budlingin, Alegria and Brgy. San Jose, Mainit on May 2008, it aims to increase production of nutritious and safe to eat vegetables on these areas. Vegetable production is their main livelihood and is into commercial growing. Said training was much awaited by the farmers as it help improve their farm practices and lessen production cost. They are enthusiastic about organic farming and vows to adapt the technology in their farms.

In the recent 2007 Regional Winners in the Annual GAWAD SAKA Search by the Department of Agriculture, our farmer Jerry Moreno from Bacuag comes out as one of Outstanding Farmers in the region. His organic rice production practices were among the many credits that earns him the said prestigious award in the field of Agriculture.

(from Suyog Newspaper - Official Publication of the Prov. of Surigao del Norte)

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Visibility, visitations with personal touch, giving an A-1 service among his constituents especially the Siargaonons, Gov. Ace Barbers personally led the recent Medical Mission in the municipalities of Dapa, General Luna and Del Carmen, as well as conducting his regular consultation with the people in his satellite office in Dapa, giving relief goods to the poor and distributing “Pinakbet” Kits to the farmers just recently.

The free medical check-up with medicines, surgical, dental and cataract outreach are among the many advocacies of Gov. Barbers on health program. “Genuine development only comes when people living in the community are healthy and free from illnesses,” said Gov. Barbers.

Medical practitioners who were among the group who voluntarily rendered their services attest to the commitment and sincerity of Gov. Ace in giving service to the people. “ I hope that our efforts in safeguarding one’s health will not be futile with the cooperation also of the community. Our general well being can only be assured if every one would take an active personal responsibility towards one’s health with healthy lifestyle, good exercise and good nutrition ,” Gov. Barbers added.

During the outreached, a total of 1,517 were consulted, 304 availed the dental services, 337 were circumcised, 27 underwent a minor operation, 50 availed the X-ray, 190-FBS/Random Blood Sugar Determination, 239 Urinalysis, 30 for Complete Blood Count/ Hemoglobin/ Hematocrit / WBC, 21 Cataract Operation and 37 Digital Rectal Exam. (Fema Bayana - HEPO Designate)

(from Suyog Newspaper - Official Publication of the Prov. of Surigao del Norte)

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Presidents and Chief Executive Officers of the different operational and under exploration mining companies in the province recently manifested their commitment to support the development programs of Gov. Robert Ace Barbers during the Fellowship Meeting hosted by the province at the Makati Shangri-la Hotel just recently.

In his welcome message, Vice Gov. Noel Catre emphasized that the meeting was aimed at discussing how the province can effectively and harmoniously implement the recently approved Provincial Environment Code and Tax Ordinance No. 03, otherwise known as the Environment Regulatory Ordinance of 2007, and other environmental programs and projects in the province.

The meeting likewise provided a venue for the provincial officials to enlighten the mining executives as to where the proceeds of the newly imposed taxes will go. “All these interventions were made by the province to help us rise above the economic challenges that we are confronting at present.” Emphasized Gov. Robert Ace S. Barbers. The governor in his presentation, stressed the ironic situation of the province being one of the richest in mineral and other natural resources, yet was recently identified as among the five poorest provinces in the country according to the Peace and Equity Development Index in a recent survey.

“The proceeds of the taxes that you will pay will directly benefit the Surigaonons in the form of basic services that we will be able to provide them out of the income that we will derive from the mining industry,” added the governor.

On the same occasion, Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Director Alilo Ensomo, Jr., presented a picture of the economic contribution of the mining industry in the province . It was learned, that the province share of income from the national wealth was actually very minimal compared to the value of the different mineral ores in the world market . From 2003 to 2007, the share of our province only amounted to a little over P36 million from various mineral ores valued at P18.9 billion. These amounts do not even go directly to the province and the LGU’s concerned and up to now still has to trickle down from the national coffers.

“We at the Chamber of Mines are also pushing for the automatic retention of the LGU’s share,” said Mr. Evaristo Narvaez. Jr., President of Pacific Nickel Philippines, Inc. “The share has to be remitted to the LGU’s because they should feel the fruits of the mining industry,” he added.

Gaspar Andres of Taganito Mining Corporation, on the other hand, stressed that they have always been supportive of the development programs of the province by the way of their contributions to the community. “We even supported the direct payment scheme but this has not been carried over despite the agitation of the industry,” Andres declared.

The putting up of processing plants and the transfer of the corporate addresses of the mining companies were also some of the plans that cropped up during the meeting to boosts up efforts to raise employment and increase local taxes in the city and province. The same group agreed to meet again sometime this month for further discussions and follow up on some agreements reached during the meeting.

Also present during the said Fellowship Meeting were 30 president/ CEO’s/ representatives from mining companies operating in the province , all the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Vice Gov. Noel Catre, Mayor Alfonso S. Casurra, OIC – Provincial Environment and Management Officer Antonieto Charcos, Provincial Accountant Daisy Andit, Provincial Treasurer Daisy Hubilla and Provincial Budget Officer Virginia S. Yuipco. (PEMO)

(from Suyog Newspaper - Official Publication of the Prov. of Surigao del Norte)

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Surigao City Police Station led by PSI Carlo Ometer while conducting routine monitoring on Illegal Gambling activities, apprehended a certain Ephraim Manhuyo alias "Praim", 42 years old, married, laborer & a resident of Purok-5 Barangay Ipil, Surigao City for violation of RA 9287 on July 28, 2008 at 8:30 in the evening.

Confiscated from his possession were bet money amounting to Php 332.00 and several gambling paraphernalia.

Subject person was brought to Surigao City Police Station for proper disposition. (PNP-PRO-13/PIA-Caraga)
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