Angered by what they claim as generalization of travel advisories issued by foreign embassies for its citizens not to travel in troubled areas in Mindanao, a Surigao del Norte provincial board member said they will soon pass a resolution to counter those travel advisories.

At a press conference in the recently-concluded 4th Siargao International Surfing Cup held at General Luna town, the country’s surfing capital, Board Member Melva Garcia, chairperson of the committee on tourism, told newsmen foreign embassies should be specific as to what place in Mindanao their foreign nationals should not visit rather than generalizing the whole of Mindanao which includes Surigao as a perceived troubled area.

“For that we will issue a resolution addressed to foreign embassies”, Garcia said.

But Department of Tourism Caraga Regional Director Leticia Tan, for her part, claimed during the press conference held at Canbuntog Beach Resort in General Luna town that travel advisories are not affecting in anyway Caraga Region’s tourism industry.

Tan even boasted that despite travel advisories, arrivals of foreign tourists in Caraga Region have increased.

Local government unit officials in General Luna town, headed by Mayor Felipe Espejon, share Tan’s views, saying travel advisories do not affect at all the international surfing competition.

“So what’s the big fuss of making resolution telling foreign embassies on what to do with their travel advisories if at all it is not affecting Caraga’s fledgling tourism industry?’, NGO Caraga Watch official Dino Batucan asked.

Batucan in his unsolicited advice said tourism and local officials in Caraga Region should put house in order first before blaming everybody, including intervening functions of foreign embassies, if they really wanted an improved tourism industry.

Batucan noticed that all these years Caraga’s tourism industry is focused on foreign tourists, yet many of the region’s residents have not visited many potential tourism destinations of the region.

He said tourism officials failed to attract local tourists because it does not have right policies to attract one.

Batucan claimed more local tourists opted to visit Cebu than to visit Siargao islands because it is not offering cheap travel tours, saying hotels and lodging houses in Siargao islands are far more expensive as if only foreigners can afford.

Batucan also blamed poor tourism marketing plan as one of the failures of Caraga’s tourism industry.

He also blamed too much politicking among local officials in Caraga Region as also one of the culprits of failed tourism industry ,saying each local leader offer different plans as if outdoing each other instead of a unified effort to improve the industry.

“Putting house in order first before blaming foreign embassies on their travel advisories which are their duties after all must be the order of the day if we really wanted a successful tourism industry”, Batucan added.

Batucan concludes good facilities not resolutions will make a better Caraga tourism industry. (Ben Serrano, PNA)
Read rest of story...

At least P1.05 million fund from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s employment program was released in Surigao del Norte recently.

The money was released through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Patinio-Banban-Fabio (PBF) Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) - Kabayan group in Taganaan, Surigao del Norte.

The check was personally handed by DSWD Regional Director Mercedita Jabagat to Taganaan Mayor Cesar Diaz. It is meant to finance expanded micro-enterprise projects of its members.

Diaz also gave the check to Susan Rubantes, PBF SEA-Kabayan president.

Jabagat said some of the funding is for 48 individuals who have been provided with additional capital to their existing livelihood projects such as poultry raising, rice farming, sari-sari store, banagan culture, buy and sell of basic commodities, food processing, fishing, piggery, fish cage and food vending.

The region’s DSWD chief also said the money will also be used to help the members get affordable basic shelter provisions or use it for home improvement.

She exhorted the beneficiaries to pay their dues religiously because the amount they pay will also be used to finance other groups that wanted to avail of SEA-Kabayan.

Rubantes expressed her gratitude to DSWD for the technical and financial assistance.

“I promised to do my responsibilities as president of the group and enjoined my members to manage their respective businesses well so they can pay the weekly dues,” she said.

SEA Level II - Kabayan is a follow-up program for beneficiaries/associations that have been graduated from SEA-K Level I and have manifested the capability to manage larger amount of credit assistance.

Surigao del Norte Gov. Robert Ace Barbers also expressed his gratitude to President Arroyo’s livelihood and employment program in the province. (PNA)
Read rest of story...

Philex Mining Corp. yesterday said it acquired the 50-percent stake of Anglo American Exploration (Philippines) BV in the Boyongan copper-gold mine in Surigao del Norte for $55 million.

Philex vice president for finance Renato Migriño said in a disclosure to the stock exchange that the acquisition gave the company full control over the property. Philex Gold Philippines Inc., an 81-percent owned unit, owns the other 50 percent interest in the mine.

He said the acquisition, approved by company’s board yesterday, involved the sale of the shares owned by Anglo American in joint venture companies, Silangan Mindanao Mining Co. Inc. and Silangan Mindanao Exploration Co. Inc., to Philex Mining.

Anglo American is a wholly-owned subsidiary of UK-based Anglo American Plc.

The assets include four mining tenements and a mineral production sharing agreement over five parcels, including the Boyongan deposit in Surigao del Norte.

Philex Gold and Anglo discovered the Boyongan deposit in 2000 in a 25,184-hectare area.

Anglo provided all the funds for exploration, earning its 50-percent interest in the process, and completed 97,360 meters of diamond drilling in 193 holes.

It also completed the pre-feasibility study of the Boyongan deposit in December 2007 and discovered other mineralized centers.

“Anglo subsequently offered its rights over the property to Philex for $55 million, subject to the execution of the necessary agreements for the transaction. This now paves the way for the continued development of Boyongan and the adjacent areas expeditiously and for the best interest of the company,” said Migriño. (manilastandardtoday)
Read rest of story...

Philippines surfer Edito ‘Peso’ Alcala is the new king of Cloud 9 after defeating the world’s best tube riders to win the prestigious Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational at the remote island of Siargao in the Philippines. Cloud 9, an ultra perfect right hand reef break, lived up to expectation, serving out epic 2-2.5 metre barrelling waves for the final day of competition surfing.

Local ace Alcala, who learned to surf at the revered break, rode barrel after perfect barrel to beat defending title holder Wade Goodall (Caloundra, Qld, Aus) in a tight 35-minute man-on-man final. “I’m so happy,” said Alcala, who surfed away with $7,500 (USD) for his efforts. “It’s a dream come true to win this event and beating the reigning champion in the final makes it that much more sweeter. I’m stocked.”

But 20-year-old Alcala didn’t have it all his own way in the final, having to fight back from a slow start to take home a last-minute victory over Goodall in front of a vocal Philippines crowd. Sitting in second with two minutes to go and with priority, Alcala jagged a set wave before weaving through the belly of a Cloud 9 cavern to jag a heat-winning 9.43 ride. Alcala finishing on a final two wave combined total of 18.16-points to Goodall’s 17.77.

“I wasn’t expecting that last wave to come through,” he said. “I could tell it was a good one when it barrelled all the way down the reef. All my friends were in the channel watching and were hooting me after I flicked off. I just knew that I got the score.”

Sunshine Coast star Goodall, who heads home with $4,500 (USD) for his runner-up placing today, couldn’t replicate the barrel riding performance that saw him take out last year’s event and was clearly disappointed with the end result.

“I wanted it really badly,” said Goodall. “He was chasing me the whole final so I new if a good wave came that he was going to get it because he’s so good in the pit out there. It’s bittersweet really.” Earlier in the day, Goodall posted the event’s only 10-point ride in the first semi-final. Tucking into a Cloud 9 beast, Goodall came flying out before taking to the sky with a radical aerial manoeuvre to be awarded the perfect ride.

“When we woke up the heats were running super early and the waves were just pumping,” said Goodall. “It was an unexpected swell. No one knew it was coming and it seemed to get better throughout the morning, especially in my semi-final.” Finishing in equal third today was Hawaii’s Granger Larsen, who was eliminated by Goodall in semi-final one, and Indonesia’s Lee Wilson, who went down to Alcala in a closely fought semi two.

What separates the Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational from standard competitive surfing is that invited contestants are involved in deciding what conditions they will surf in. With only two full days required to finalise the competition and a seven-day competition window, organisers have the luxury to wait for ideal conditions in which to run the event during Cloud 9’s prime swell period.

Due to Siargao’s proximity to the Philippines, big swells from the Pacific Ocean roll in from the second deepest stretch of water in the world to create flawlessly hollow waves. The Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational is proudly supported by the Provincial Government of Surigao Del Norte with support from the Department of Tourism Philippines. (globalsurfnews)
Read rest of story...

Presidential daughter Luli Arroyo visited Gen. Luna last weekend to show her support to the on-going 14th Siargao International Surfing Competition.

In an interview with PIA, Ms. Arroyo said that she has been supporting the international surfing cup for four years.

Ms. Arroyo also said that based on her observation, the conduct of this year's surfing competition is very organized. She also made mention of the newly-constructed boardwalk in Cloud 9.

Moreover, Luli also lauded the efforts of Surigaonons especially the Siargaonons for giving full support in the successful conduct of the international surfing fete.

Meanwhile, Ms. Arroyo calls the Filipino people especially the youths to maintain and preserve the natural resources of our country because according to her, one of the reasons why foreigners are coming to Siargao is because of the wonders of nature the place have offered. "Dili na tana ta manglabay ug basura sa mga kadagatan aron ma-preserba ang atong mga natural resources" (We will not throw garbages anywhere especially the coastal areas in order to maintain our natural resources), she said.

The competition will run until Friday (Sept. 26) with the awarding of winners highlighting the closing ceremonies, where a cash prize of US$20,000 is at stake to those who will be declared this year's champion. (PIA)
Read rest of story...

Officials of the provincial government of Surigao del Norte pass resolution asking foreign embassies to be specific in issuing travel advisories in Mindanao.

This was learned from Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Melva Garcia during the press conference of the 14th Siargao International Surfing Cup held on Saturday (September 20) at Cabuntog Resort here.

According to SP member Garcia, foreign embassies should specify what place in Mindanao a travel advisory must be issued because not all places in Mindanao are in conflict.

This was supported by Department of Tourism (DOT)-Caraga Regional Director Leticia Tan saying it's unfair for those peaceful places in Mindanao to be included in the travel advisory since the advisory is general, and this will affect the tourism industry of those regions.

"Say for example here in our region where Caraga is very peaceful in general, but because of these travel advisories, foreigners will have second thoughts of coming to our region", Dir. Tan said.

When asked of the status of the number of tourists visiting Caraga region, Dir. Tan said the travel advisories issued by some foreign embassies do not affect the influx of tourists visiting Caraga, especially at present where the 14th Siargao International Surfing Cup is staged in this town and will run until Friday (Sept. 26).

, Dir. Cynthia Lazo of the Sports and Wellness Division of DOT Central Office stressed that the conduct of the international surfing cup and other sports tourisms is a big help in elevating the tourism industry of the country.

The annual Siargao International Surfing Cup will culminate on Friday (Sept. 26) with the awarding of winners, highlighting the event. (PIA)
Read rest of story...

Local surfer from this town is leveled to top surfers in the world.

Carlito Nogalo, a local resident of this town, is among the four surfers presented by Billabong International – Southeast Asia to local media in a press conference conducted on Saturday (Sept. 20) at Cabuntog Resort here in connection with the 14th-year staging of Siargao International Surfing Competition from September 20-26, 2008 at Cloud 9, in this town.

When asked what's his feeling being considered and leveled to top tube riders/surfers in the world, Nogalo said "it's a great feeling to be with the three top surfers" referring to Wade Goodall of Australia who is the defending champion, Dylan Longbottom (Australia) and Jayson Shibata (Hawaii).

Nogalo also said being the best surfer requires proper discipline and perseverance. "In order to excel, you must be physically and mentally prepared", he said.

Meanwhile, Australian's Dylan Longbottom is a famed free-surfer and super-shaper in his own right. He has been living within foam-blowing distance to the snapper takeoff spot for four years now and has his sleds under the feet of a bunch of local guys' boards.

Hawaii's Jayson Shibata, on the other hand, is a third-timer in the Siargao International Surfing competition. In his previous interviews, he said he was fascinated with the waves of Siargao that made him participate in this annual surfing event in Siargao without having a second thought.

With Longbottom and Shibata's presence in the Siargao Surfing Cup this year plus the expertise of our very own Nogalo, they are considered a threat and close-rival of defending Champion Goodall, also a fellow Australian.

A total of 48 local and foreign surfers compete in this week-long tourney considered as the most prestigious international surfing competition in the country.

Aside from honor and fame, this year's champion will be going home with a cash prize of US$20,000. (PIA-13)
Read rest of story...

"This town, particularly Cloud 9 is a perfect venue for surfers", said Wade Goodall, 2007 Siargao International Surfing Cup champion.

In a press conference called by the provincial government of Surigao del Norte on Saturday (Sept. 20) at Cabuntog Resort here, Goodall gave a perfect 10 when asked to rate Siargao island, compared to other surfing areas in the world. "In as far as the quality of waves is concerned, Siargao has the best waves in the world", he said.

He also added that he came back to Siargao not only because he is the defending champion of this annual international surfing event in the country but also because of the hospitality of the Filipino people particularly the Surigaonons and Siargaonons. "The people here are amazing. The hospitality which the Filipinos have shown to foreigners like me is extraordinary", Goodall said.

The 14th Siargao International Surfing Cup is presented by Billabong International Southeast Asia. From a local surfing event in 1995, the surfing cup has evolved into an internationally-competed event known as the "Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational".

cash prize of 20,000 US dollars awaits this year's champion where Goodall is looking forward to win his second title. (PIA)
Read rest of story...

SIARGAO ISLAND, Surigao del Norte - Winds and weak waves forced organizers delay the first day of the 14th International Surfing Cup in General Luna town's Cloud 9 Sunday.

According to some of the surfers, the wind was so strong during their free surf that they could hardly move in the waves and eye-soar.

Organizers said they will continue to monitor the weather conditions. If conditions fail to improve, they said the competition will resume Monday morning.

A total of 48 foreign surfers who traveled all the way to General Luna to compete in the magnificent waves of Cloud 9.

Among the participants are International Surfing defending champion Wade Goodall of Australia and some of the world’s most prolific tube riders, including 2006 Pipeline master James O’Brien and professional big wave rider Makua Rothman, both from Hawaii. Also present in the event are fearless Australian chargers Laurie Towner and Dylan Longbottom.

The participants will be competing for the tournament’s $20,000 top prize. (abs-cbn)
Read rest of story...

Suspected New Peoples Army rebels destroyed another telecommunications giant Globe transmission tower at Purok 5, Barangay Alipao, Alegria, Surigao del Norte on Friday evening at about 11:30 p.m., belated report reaching Surigao del Norte Provincial Police Office here.

The official police report that also reached Caraga Police Regional Information Office claimed the Globe Transmission facilities, which is just a few meters from the national highway near Alipao Barangay Hall, were burned by more or less eight fully armed men believed to be members of CPP-NPA using gasoline and crude oil

Initial investigation disclosed that the armed men forcibly entered the gate of the transmission tower and fired their firearms and holding in captivity the guard on duty but immediately released after the incident.

Responding policemen recovered from the crime scene three empty shells of M16 rifle; axe and torches believed to have been used to burn the transmission tower considered one of the Globes biggest in the region.

Police and Globe personnel estimated the damage to have reached around P5 million.

Alegria Municipal Police said they are still investigating the incident.

Caraga Police Regional Director Chief Supt. Jaime Elorita Milla ordered one team from 1404th Provincial Police Mobile Group to be dispatched to the area to augment the personnel of said police station.

This is the fourth telecommunications giant, Globe transmission tower facilities destroyed by the communist rebels in this year alone.

The first destroyed was that of surfing capital General Luna town in Siargao Island which was destroyed by communist rebels last June this year after suspected NPA rebels attacked the General Luna Municipal Police Station.

The rebels before fleeing hanged CPP/NPA/NDF flags all over the place then fled aboard standby motorboats to Claver, Surigao del Norte.

Claver town is host of four big mining companies currently operating for nickel mines in the area. (PNA)
Read rest of story...

The 14th Siargao International Surfing Cup dubbed as the Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational 2008 officially kicks-off today, September 20, 2008 with 48 confirmed tube riders participated.

Countries who participated in the opening ceremony and will compete over the next six days include Australia, Indonesia, France, Japan, Philippines, and the United States.

Gen. Luna Mayor Felipe Espejon, in his welcome message thanked the Lord for the wonderful weather and urged the competitors to foster the spirit of sportsmanship in the event.

Billabong Southeast Asia Marketing Director, Peter Thew on the other hand acknowledged the efforts on their local counterparts and sponsors and thanked them for the support. Thew was also indebted with the President's daughter Luli Macapagal-Arroyo for the assistance she extended to the event. "Thank you very much for your help," said Thew. He also bared that the pre-surfing event held in SM Mall of Asia last week was a resounding success.

Meanwhile, Surigao del Norte Board Member Melva Garcia, chairman of the committee on Tourism talked about surfing as part of the lives of the Siargaonon.

"Can you imagine Siargao without surfing, I don't think so. This is already a part of your life, right?", Garcia noted.

Meanwhile, Garcia called on the people to unite regardless of their political affiliation for the common good of Siargao, dubbed as the income drawer of the tourism industry in the country.

DOT Sports and Wellness Director Cynthia Lazo, the event's keynote speaker also talked about the importance of sports tourism in attracting foreign tourist in the province.

The opening ceremony ended with the ceremonial breaking of the surf board with the Billabong and other local officials.

Surfing competition will start tomorrow, September 21 at Cloud 9, Tuason Point with the first round of qualifying heats and will end on Friday, September 26, 2008. (PIA)
Read rest of story...

The national winners of the 2008 Billabong surfing cup were honored during the awarding ceremonies held Thursday (September 18) in this town.

As expected, local surfers from this town dominated both in juniors and seniors category where Dionisio Espejon led the seniors category, winning P30,000 in cash, while the Alipayo brothers composed of Peter Paul and Paul John were declared 1st and 2nd runners-up, respectively, getting home with P10,000 and P7,500 in cash.

Runners-up in the seniors' category are Zaldy Coldura, Luke Landregan, and Martin Taniegra. They each receive P20,000, P15,000, and P10,000, respectively.

Meanwhile, Danny Coldura was declared champion in the Juniors' category, winning P15,000 while Mark Canon grabbed the 2nd runner-up position, receiving P5,000.

Four semifinalists both from the two categories also received cash prizes. For the Seniors' category, the qualifiers received P5,000 each while P1,500 were given to each who qualified in the Juniors category.

Also, the eight participants who made in the quarter finals each received cash prize of P2,5000 for the seniors' category and P1,000 for the juniors.

A total of P166,500 cash prize were given to winners in this competition. Tomorrow (September 20), the 14th Siargao International Surfing Cup will commence at Cloud 9.

As of press time, 48 confirmed participants including the winners in the national level and from other countries including Australia, Hawaii, Bali Indonesia, Israel, and Japan will vie for the most coveted title as this year's international surfing champion where US$20,000 cash prize is at stake. (PIA-Caraga)
Read rest of story...

PNP elements of Surigao City Police Station recovered a reported carnapped single motorcycle (Honda XRM) owned by a certain Mariano Bucong Frollo, 41 years old, married, farmer and resident of Purok-3, Barangay Conception, Cabadbaran City on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 5:45 in the afternoon.

Said motorcycle was reportedly carnapped by a certain Jimboy Dalubatan, 20 years old, married and resident of Barangay Bolobolo, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte while said motorcycle was parked at the owner's residence.

The motorcycle was recovered during a follow-up operation made by personnel of Surigao City Police Station at Caraga Regional Hospital where the said suspect was confined since Monday, September 15, 2008 due to stab wound perpetrated by unidentified person. Also recovered from the suspect is one unit of Nokia 7260 cellphone. Recovered motorcycle and cellphone was turned over to Mr Frollo while case was referred to Cabadbaran City Police Station for appropriate action. (PNP-PRO-13)
Read rest of story...

Surfers and visitors of the 14th Siargao International Surfing Cup need not to go far in order to shop for food, souvenirs and things to bring home to their respective homes.

The Surigao del Norte Provincial Cooperative Office headed by its OIC chief Gemma Entendez organized a mini-tiangge here in this town showcasing the native products of the province.

Agricultural products from Gigaquit – the Gigaquit Rhum (Pauroy), popular delicacy called ampao (pop rice) in Placer, banana and cassava chips from the Rural Improvement Club, novelty and souvenir items crafted by the Provincial Jail Inmates, dried squid, polvoron, tikog banig and placemats are just some of the products currently displayed.

Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Ace Barbers believes that having this kind of activity is an opportunity to promote the investments and livelihood opportunities of the province.

The mini-tiangge opened last September 14 and will end on September 26, 2008. (PIA)

Read rest of story...

Some 48 confirmed participants are set to arrive in Gen. Luna, Siargao Island, in this province for the 2008 Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational Surfing Championships that will run on September 20-26, 2008.

As reported by billabong.com, leading the charge in the prestigious tournament includes the defending event champion Australian surfing star Wade Goodall (Caloundra) and some of the world’s most prolific tube riders, including 2006 Pipeline Master Jamie O’Brien (Hawaii) and professional big wave rider Makua Rothman (Hawaii), as well as fearless Australian chargers Laurie Towner (Yamba, NSW, Aus) and Dylan Longbottom (Coolangatta, Qld, Aus).

This desirable event with a special cash prize of $20,000 will commence at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 20 at Cloud 9, Gen. Luna, Siargao island, followed by a welcome lunch for guests and international competitors.

The tournament contest location is in ‘Cloud 9’, a powerful hollow right-hander that has been hailed as one of the ten best waves in the world and has been frequently compared to the renowned surf of Hawaii and Indonesia.

The Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational is supported by the Provincial Government of Surigao Del Norte with the support from the Department of Tourism. (PIA)
Read rest of story...

AUSTRALIAN surfer Wade Goodall (Caloundra, Qld, Aus) will be gunning for back-to-back Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational crowns when the second annual tournament gets underway at the remote, island jewel of Siargao in the Philippines this weekend.

The Sunshine Coast ace rode barrel after faultless barrel to topple a talented-stacked field following three days of absolute perfection during the inaugural tournament in 2007.

Cloud 9, once nominated as one of the ten best waves in the world, will once again set the scene for a tube-riding showdown with an international field of surfers confirmed to compete in the world's premier tube-riding tournament scheduled for September 20-26, 2008.

Reigning title holder Goodall, who beat Gold Coast goofy-footer Nick Vasicek in ideal 1.5-2-metre tubes, is excited about the prospect of again surfing perfect barrels in this year's tournament.

"Cloud 9's tubes were the best waves I have ever had in a contest and just to have the opportunity to go there again is a real treat," said Goodall.

"The place is really special to me. I turned 21 on the barge on the way over to the inaugural tournament and the last three days of competition were just full of perfect barrels. Hopefully, we'll get similar conditions for this year's event."
An ultra perfect right hander located on the southeast coast of the Philippines, the Cloud 9 event has attracted confirmation from some of the world's most prolific tube riders, including 2006 Pipeline Master Jamie O'Brien (Hawaii) and professional big wave rider Makua Rothman (Hawaii), as well as fearless Australian chargers Laurie Towner (Yamba, NSW, Aus) and Dylan Longbottom (Coolangatta, Qld, Aus).
48 surfers from Hawaii , Japan , Australia , Indonesia , Israel and 12 local wildcards will compete in a specialised format, which culminates in man on man heats. What separates the Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational from standard competitive surfing is that invited contestants are involved in deciding what conditions they will surf in.

With only two full days required to finalise the competition and a seven-day competition window, organisers have the luxury to wait for ideal conditions in which to run the event during Cloud 9's prime swell period.
Bolstering to the tournament's already premier line-up of surfers is the inclusion of 2006 event champion Ryan Hipwood (Mermaid Beach, Qld, Aus) and renowned aerialist Dave Reardon-Smith (Yaroomba, Qld, Aus), along with a host of Hawaiians including Jason Shibata, TJ Barron, Dustin Cuizon, Charlie Carroll, Granger Larsen and Mikala Jones.
Renowned Balinese surfers Rahtu Suargita, Lee Wilson, Marlon Gerber, Wyan 'Kopling' Wirtima, Made 'Raditya' Rhondi, Mustofa Jeksen and Tipi Jabrik will also travel to the neighbouring Philippines to contest the specialty event and will no doubt push the performance levels of the international field.

Due to Siargao's proximity to the Philippines , big swells from the Pacific Ocean roll in from the second deepest stretch of water in the world to create flawlessly hollow waves.

The Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational is proudly supported by the Provincial Government of Surigao Del Norte with support from the Department of Tourism Philippines .

Official Entry List:

1) Ryan Hipwood (Aus)
2) Made 'Raditya' Rhondi ( Bali )
3) Wyan 'Kopling' Wirtima ( Bali )
4) Steven Walsh (Aus)
5) TJ Barron (Haw)
6) Dave Reardon-Smith (Aus)
7) Jason Shibata (Haw)
8) Lee Wilson ( Bali )
9) Tipi Jabrik ( Bali )
10) Wade Goodall (Aus)
11) Damien Wills (Aus)
12) Dustin Cuizon (Haw)
13) Makua Rothman (Haw)
14) Jamie O'Brien (Haw)
15) Charlie Carroll (Haw)
16) Dylan Longbottom (Aus)
17) Michael Brennan (Aus)
18) Laurie Towner (Aus)
19) Mikala Jones (Haw)
20) Made Adi 'Bol' Putra ( Bali )
21) Marlon Gerber ( Bali )
22) Shinpei Horguchi ( Japan )
23) Granger Larson (Haw)
24) Michael Hopkins (Aus)
25) Mark Visser (Aus)
26) Yonatan Klein ( Israel )
27) Gil Zilkha ( Israel )
28) Rahtu Suargita ( Bali )
29) Mustofa Jeksen ( Bali )
30) Adam Bennetts (Aus)
+ 6 riders TBC
+12 Philippines Wildcards

(news from surfline.com)

Read rest of story...

Ubos sa programa ni Gov. Ace Barbers sa pagpausbaw sa panginabuhian sa katawhan pinaagi sa pagpaila sa mga nagkadaiyang produkto sa atong probinsya, ang Provincial Cooperative Office miawhag sa mga nagkalain-laing mga coop members sa pagsalmut sa Trade Fair and Exhibit sa General Luna atol sa ika 14th International Surfing Cup, sugod September 14-27, 2008.

Ang mga kooperatiba nga misalmot naglakip na sa Nickel Island Women Multi-Purpose Cooperative nga nagbaligya sa mga fashion accessories, Mabua Fish Vendors & Housekeepers Multi-purpose Cooperative-Bamboo Craft, Gigaquit Agra Multi-Purpose Cooperative-Gigaquit Rum, Cabugao Fish Farmers Agra Consumers MPC-Vinegar, Provincial Jail Inmates-Souvenir Items, Rural Improvement Club of Mabua-Banana & Cassava Chips ug ang Western Coconut Producers & Marketing Cooperative (WESCOPROMACO), Malimono-Fashion Accessories, Coco Coir ug Orchid Bell.

Dako ang pasalamat sa mga kooperatiba sa higayon nga gihatag kanila ni Gov. Barbers, diin makapakita ug makabaligya sila sa ilang mga nagkadaiyang produkto. Sila nagpadayag nga dako kayo kini ug tabang para sa kalamboan sa ilang tagsa-tagsa nga trabaho ug panginabuhian.

Samtang gisugdan usab ang Agro-Fair nga gihimo gihapon sa General Luna niadtong Sept. 1-15, 2008. (PGO-Media Affairs)
Read rest of story...

Continued timber poaching or log smuggling, unabated cutting of trees and kaingin within watershed areas of Lake Mainit is slowly causing Mindanao's second biggest lake and the country's fourth largest to deteriorate.

Mindanao's largest lake is Lake Lanao which is the source of hydroelectric power for Agus I to IV, situated in Lanao del Norte and Iligan City, the source of electricity in almost all parts of Mindanao. Lake Lanao or Ranaw ranks second to Laguna Lake, the country's biggest lake. Taal lake is the country's third largest.

The lake which has a total area of 17,060 hectares and total lakeshore length of 62.10 kilometers is situated in between provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte whose total area is divided almost equally between the two provinces.

There are eight municipalities surrounding or located near the proximity of the lake. These are the towns of Jabonga, Kitcharao, Santiago and Tubay in Agusan del Norte and Mainit, Alegria, Tubod and Sison, in Surigao del Norte with 31 lakeshore barangays surrounding the historic Lake Mainit.

Results of the series of symposia, meetings, studies and consultations for the Lake Mainit convergence comprehensive development plan, initiated by the Lake Mainit Development Alliance (LMDA) through funding of PACAP or the Philippine-Australia Community Assistance Program, showed that aside from kaingin and log poaching, rising settlement along lakeshore cause the further deterioration of the lake.

The lake got its name from Visayan word 'Mainit' which means 'hot' after early settlers near lakeshore and riverbank settlements discovered a 'hot spring' in the upstream portion of Kalinawan River near Santiago town. A lumad touched the water of the spring and shouted 'mapaso' which means in local dialect 'hot'.

Various studies made recently on the condition of Lake Mainit showed improper solid waste disposal caused water pollution of the lake due to contamination of chemicals from thrown paint cans, bottles, fertilizers and others and settlement in lakeshore increased over the years.

The pollution caused fish kills, waterborne diseases and death to some beneficial lake micro-organisms.

Lake Mainit is reported to be the habitat of rare fish species, the puyo or perch and gabot. These species have become rare due to the introduction of new fish species.

On the other hand, continued illegal logging, timber poaching and kaingin at the watershed areas of the lake due to increasing settlement have caused unquantifiable destruction of terrestrial flora and fauna, including its habitat.

The massive soil erosion and fast denudation of the watershed areas of Lake Mainit caused landslides in the area where felled trees are dragged causing massive siltation or huge build up of sediment or mud deposits that caused flashfloods to low lying areas surrounding the lake.

The huge build up of sediment mud due siltation at the Kalinawan River, the only exit point of the waters of Lake Mainit to Tubay Bay, caused thousand of hectares of rice lands who had no irrigation or flood control canals extremely submerged into floodwaters during rainy season.

Study showed this rendered thousand of hectares rice lands unproductive which caused food or rice shortage in the provinces of Agsuan del Norte and Surigao del Norte.

The onslaught of mining activities whether it be large or small scale mining now gravely threatened ecology in the areas surrounding the lakes and Lake Mainit itself.

Gold panning activities which widely used poisonous, toxic material mercury have also threatened the very survival of Lake Mainit which is an ecotourism destination area because of its beautiful sceneries.

Lake Mainit Development Alliance (LMDA) Manager Engr. Kaiser Recabo said some P10-million is needed to dredge or deepen the Kalinawan River, the only outlet of Lake Mainit. Recabo also recommends long term solution like massive reforestation of the watershed areas of Lake Mainit.(Adelaida Bulaon-pr-inside.com)

Read rest of story...

Final results of the latest census conducted in August 2007 revealed that the total population of Caraga Region or Northeastern Mindanao was posted at 2,293,480. This means that for every 100 persons living in the Philippines, 2 lives in Caraga Region (2.59 percent).

The population exhibited a continuous increase though at the lower pace as shown by the average annual growth rate of 1.25 percent over the period 2000-2007, lower than 1.63 percent growth rate over the period 1995-2000, and also the lowest growth rate recorded ever since 1990 when Caraga was separated from Regions 10 and 11.

Compared with the 2000 Census figure at 2,095,367, the total population of the region increased by 198,113 persons.

The provinces of Agusan del Norte with Butuan City, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur lead the other provinces with more than half a million inhabitants.

Agusan del Norte and Butuan City is now home to more than half a million inhabitants posted at 612,405. Agusan del Sur rank next at 609,447 followed by Surigao del Sur 541,347.

Dinagat Islands is the least populated province at 120,813. Translated into the annual average growth rate however, Dinagat Islands is the fastest growing province in the entire region with a rate of 1.69 percent.

Among the cities in the region, Butuan City tops the list with 298,378 population and considered to be one of the highly urbanized cities in the country (HUC). Surigao City and Bislig City rank second and third with 132,151 and 102,009 inhabitants respectively.

Dinagat Province is the fastest growing province in the region with an annual population growth rate of 1.69 percent over the period 2000-2007 while the province of Surigao del Sur exhibited the lowest population growth rate at 1.05 percent. (NSO-13/PIA-Caraga)
Read rest of story...

A feeling of festivity filled the Luneta Park here as people scrambled to pick their share of the fried pasayan or shrimps while it is still hot in the carefully lined-up frying pans.

"This is the usual atmosphere every 10th day of every year since the start of pasayan festival in reverence to the feast of Patron Saint San Nicolas de Tolentino," said Trujillo Pepito of Provincial Agriculture Office and one of the overseers of the event.

He said, a total of 1 ton of pasayan are harvested just for this festival and once cooked, it would be freely given to the spectators as part of the tradition which never fail to evoke smiles in their faces.

"For this year, some 70 groups composed of three persons handled the frying pans that can cook at least 10 kilos of pasayan," he added.

Pepito added that around 700-800 kilos of pasayan are cooked in the event, the rest are given to the street children, inmates and the orphanage.

He said harvesting pasayan is not costly since it is indigenous to the provincial waters and is only a by-product of their main marine products such as crabs, lobsters, and fishes.

In an earlier interview, Gov. Robert Ace Barbers said, pasayan festival that started during the administration of his brother, Robert Lyndon, is aimed at augmenting the income of marginalized local fisher folks in the province.

Meanwhile, Susil Ragas who participated in the festival for the first time said the overwhelming excitement she feels outweighs the intense heat and the laborious stirring of the pasayan she endured. (PIA-Caraga)
Read rest of story...

Tourists, neighboring townfolks and covering journalists were once again treated to a cultural festivity as Surigaonons showed off not only their rich culture but also their unique rhythm through the staging of the Bonok-bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival 2008.

The Bonok-Bonok is a ritual dance originated from the Mamanwa tribe which has been brought down through the generations and still being practiced today in reverence to the patron Saint San Nicolas de Tolentino.

Las Pinas Representative Cynthia A. Villar, the festival guest of honor and keynote speaker said it was her first time to attend the Bonok-bonok Festival and was overwhelmed with the unique moves of the dancers, "Ngayon lang po ako nakaatend ng Bonok-bonok Festival, ang ganda-ganda po. (This is my first time to attend the Bonok-bonok Festival. It's very beautiful.)"

Villar congratulated the event organizers and urged them to continue the activity for it is in one way or another spur up growth and development in the province.

In this year's winner, Surigao West Central Elementary School emerged as the overall champion out of the eight competing contingents and bagged the cash prize worth P250,000 plus trophy.

After the event, Cong. Villar was given honor by Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Ace Barbers in a fellowship dinner hosted by him. (PIA)
Read rest of story...

Video clips of the Bonok-bonok festival 2008 can now be seen via youtube. Thanks to iraxHD and toyahonda for uploading the video clips. Watch the videos after the jump.





Read rest of story...

Former governor and Chairman of Bonok-Bonok Culture and Arts Foundation, Inc. (BCAFI) Robert Lyndon Barbers said that Bonok-Bonok is one strategy in solving the problem of poverty.

He said that since the local government has successfully marketed the festival for many years now, its continued celebration attracted local and foreign tourists which in turn increased the income of local entrepreneurs and added vitality to the economy.

He added that if a farmer/fisherman sells his products to the market before and during the height of the festival, his sales outweigh his investments.

Aside from that, Chairman Lyndon disclosed that they added P50,000.00 more to the cash prizes for this year's Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival for a more festive showdown of the ritual dances.

He said that the winners have more to gain in joining the Bonok-Bonok 2008 as compared to last year, in addition to their high spirits and increasing popularity.

Chairman Lyndon added that there were eight contingents coming from Gingoog City, Butuan City, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, General Luna, Surigao del Norte, Surigao West Central Elementary School, Saint Jude Thaddeus Institute of Technology and Surigao Norte National High School.

He also said that Karilagan Dance Society, a guest performer all the way from Canada joined the festival and added color to the Bonok-Bonok 2008 held at Surigao City National High School quadrangle.

The former governor explained that the word "Bonok-Bonok" means heavy rainfall. He said the festival came about two years after the 1984 super typhoon that brought destruction to the province.

The festival is an offering and a thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest expressed thru dancing in respect to the Patron Saint San Nicolas de Tolentino, which later adopted as a reflection of Surigao's rich cultural heritage, Gov. Lyndon added.

Chairman Lyndon also said, coincidentally since the start of the Bonok-Bonok, no super typhoons have hit Surigao del Norte.

In a related event, Surigao West Central Elementary School emerged as the overall champion out of the eight competing contingents and bagged the cash prize worth P250,000.00 plus trophy.
Read rest of story...

Gov. Robert Ace Barbers urged leaders to set aside politics and unite together while calling the people to rally behind the administration, may it be in a local or national setting, so that good programs will be reached and felt by the people.

The Governor said this here today during a press conference at the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) in the capitol where some 20 media practitioners covered the event.

Gov. Barbers added that the Surigaonons, particularly the people from Siargao are very thankful to Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for giving P50-M for the renovation of the Siargao District Hospital in Dapa, soon to be renamed Diosdado Macapagal Memorial Hospital.

He also said that aside from the financial support for the renovation, there is also the creation of ?Bagsakan? or drop-off centers in Del Carmen, Siargao Island and in mainland Surigao which could raise the profitability of farmers and expand the access of consumers to quality foodstuff.

He disclosed that he invited Pres. Arroyo to grace the blessing of the hospital which would be simultaneously done with the opening of the Bagsakan Center in Del Carmen but has not yet received any confirmation.

Meanwhile, Gov. Barbers invited all people to visit and enjoy the Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival that through the years added color to the feast of Senior San Nicolas de Tolentino every Sept. 9-10.

He said, the festival is aimed to encourage local and international tourists to come and experience the festivity offered by the province.

He added that it also displays not only the abundant marine products, beautiful beaches and other tourist destinations but also the culture of the people in quest for peace, solidarity and progress.

Lyneth Abella of Malimono, an onlooker of the Bonok-Bonok said that the parade of the ritual dances really added excitement and delight to the festival that she looks forward to every year. (Jose Jemuel Dael - PIA-Caraga)
Read rest of story...

The city of Surigao and the province of Surigao del Norte once again celebrated its annual convergence of festivals, the Bonok-bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival Tuesday, September 9, 2008.

In this year's festival, nine contingents from the different parts of Mindanao joined, to which Surigao West Elementary School astoundingly out-done the other eight contingents and emerged as the over-all champion receiving a cash prize of P250,000.00 plus trophy.

First runner-up was the contingent from the Municipality of Gen. Luna receiving the cash price of P200,000.00 plus trophy; Second runner-up was from the Municipality of Jabonga, Agusan del Norte with the cash price of P150,000.00 plus trophy and third runner-up went to the Surigao del Norte National High School with the cash price of P100,000.00 plus trophy.

Meanwhile, special awards for Best in Costume, Best in Street Dancing and Best in Choreography all went to Surigao West Central Elementary School. Best in Instrumentality went to the Municipality of Jabonga. Each special award received P10,000.

Consolation prices were also given in the amount of P10,000.00 cash and a plaque of recognition to the participating contingents from Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, St. Jude Thaddeus Institute of Technology, Municipality of Cantilan, Surigao del Sur and Butuan City.

While, Karilagan Dance Society from Canada performed in the event as guest performer.

The Bonok-Bonok Festival is a street-dancing contest held every year in honor of Surigao City's patron saint, San Nicolas de Tolentino. The event was indeed worth remembering affair for the Surigaonons for it was the fourth time to have regional contingents. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Read rest of story...

MINING FIRM RED 5 LTD. OF AUSTRALIA is expected to invest $40 million in the Siana gold project in Surigao del Norte.

Red 5 holds a 90-percent beneficial interest in the Siana gold project through Greenstone Resources Corp., which manages the local operations through a joint venture with JCG Resources Corp.

Mines and Geosciences Bureau Director Horacio Ramos said officials of Red 5 had visited the bureau the other week to reinstate the company’s interest in pursuing mine operations in the gold district.

Ramos said the visit was prompted by the MGB’s decision to remove the Siana gold project from the government’s priority mineral development and exploration projects.

“They complained about it and said they are still interested. We asked them to update their feasibility study, submit all requirements and we will help them out,” Ramos said.

He said the firm had already finished its exploration and was set to begin development of the mine site.

The project, which is under a Mineral Production Sharing Agreement, covers 2,023.74 hectares of in Siana, Mainit, Surigao del Norte.

The MGB said the Siana gold project was expected to bring in $45-million investments and generate gross sales of $15 million yearly.

Red 5 earlier said the premining gold endowment at Siana was estimated to reach 2 million ounces.

It said past production from underground and open pit operations in the Siana mine reached 4.9 million tons at an average grade of 6.3 g/t gold.

A narrow vein underground development was carried out from 1938 to 1960 and produced 1.6 million tons at an average grade of 11.8 g/t gold. Open pit mining from 1980 to 1990 produced 3.3 million tons at an average grade of 3.6g/t gold. (Inquirer.net)
Read rest of story...

The Avian Influenza Task Force in Eastern Visayas is putting in place additional measures to keep the Philippines bird flu free, especially because the season for the arrival of migratory birds into the country usually starts in the month of September until the month of April.

Among these measures include the setting up of special task forces like the Bantay Ibon Brigade up to the barangay level to keep a closer watch at the identified migratory sites in the Region, Department of Agriculture Region 8 Avian Flu Focal Officer, Dr. Leo Mira informed.

The Avian Inflluenza Task Force has scheduled the organization of the Bantay Ibon Volunteer in Catubig, Northern Samar on September 16; in Rosario, Northern Samar on September 17; in Leyte, Leyte on September 18;and in San Antonio, Northern Samar on September 18.

Although the wetlands in Region 8, according to Doctor Mira, are not included in the list of 20 critical areas, under the Wetlands approach, tight watch is being conducted in the migratory sites in the Region to include the Ormoc Bay wetland, Tres Marias Wetlands in Palompon, Leyte, Leyte wetland, Lake Bito in MacArthur, Leyte; St. Bernard Mangrove Resource in Southern Leyte; Maqueda Bay wetland and Basey Wetland in Samar Province; Lake Lagbangan in San Antonio, Rosario wetland and Catubig paddies in Northern Samar; and Guiuan wetland in Eastern Samar.

Although this is a continuing activity, there is a need to intensify it as a pre-emptive and proactive measure, Dr. Mira said.

Under the Seaport and exotic approach, the seaports in Allen and Liloan towns are monitored by the Wildlife Traffic Monitoring Committee Unit to prevent the entry of exotic birds from banned origin.

Currently under surveillance in the Philippines are 20 critical areas like Pagudpod, Ilocos Norte; Aparri, Cagayan; Magat Dam in Isabela; Candaba Swamp in Pampanga; Naujan Lake in Mindoro; Bulan and Matnog in Sorsogon; Quezon; Palawan; Olango Island in Cebu; Roxas and Capiz in Panay Island; Himamaylan in Negros Occidental; Surigao del Norte;Lake Mainit Surigao del Sur; in Agusan del Norte; Agusan del Sur; Ligwasan Marsh in Kabacan, Cotabato; General Santos City; Zamboanga del Norte; Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga City. (PIA)
Read rest of story...

Two Mariculture Parks were launched in Barobo, Surigao del Sur on April 8, 2008 and Dapa, Siargao Island on May 10, 2008.

The Barobo Mariculture Park is the second in the region but the first one to be launched under the Sustainable Management of Coastal Resources in Bicol and Caraga regions (SUMACORE) Program of the Agencia Española de Cooperacion International (AECI) in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU).

The establishment of Mariculture Parks highlights the thrust of the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) in transforming the local fisherfolk from hunters of the seas to fish farmers. This is one of the measures to adapt to the fast-changing times and the inevitable global warming. BFAR National Director Malcolm Sarmiento pointed this out in his keynote address during the launching ceremonies of the two Mariculture Parks in the region.

BFAR Caraga Regional Director Alauya Olama earlier said that the parks will serve as showcases of fishery technologies to encourage more to invest on mariculture. He added that the yield per cropping of one cage could equal to the yield of a two-hectare fishpond. Assistant Regional Director Nerio Casil foresees the region to be the Grouper capital of the country since the local waters abound with rich fishery resources. He further said that BFAR continuously seeks for more development partnerships with the LGUs that would redound to poverty alleviation, job generation and food security in the coastal areas.

In attendance during the launching were SUMACORE project Director Jessica Muñoz, AECI Mindanao Filed Officer Miguel Angel Barba, Surigao del Sur 2nd District Congressman Florencio Garay and Barobo Municipal Mayor Arturo Ronquillo who all encouraged the local residents to support and protect for sustainable livelihood and improved quality of life.

On the other hand, Dapa Mariculture Zone counts the third, which has an area of 1000 hectares covering the coastal barangays of Dapa, Siargao Islands. Dapa Municipal Mayor Peter Ruaya envisions the park to attract investors. He said that they are ready to adapt advanced technology to make Dapa a livable place.

Congressman Francisco Matugas of the 1st District of Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands sees the park as just an initial step to development, an initial answer to the growing population. He hoped for more assistance from the BFAR like patrol boat, payaw and cold storage for fish and other marine products.

The launching were highlighted with the unveiling of the aqua tourism development plan and the ceremonial stocking of milkfish (bangus) and grouper (Lapu-lapu) fingerlings into the demo-cages. It was witnessed by executives of the respective LGUs and neighboring municipalities, DA and BFAR regional and provincial officials and employees, Sangguniang bayan members, councilmen, teachers, students, residents and fisherfolk. (BFAR-13)
Read rest of story...

The number of Filipinos who can be considered poor has significantly increased to 17.5 million this year from 12 million in 2007, a recent study of the National Anti Poverty Commission (NAPC) has revealed.

NAPC attributed the 45.8-percent jump to the record high increase of petroleum prices in the world market and the global rise in prices of food, particularly the rice staple.

“Noong magtaas ang presyo ng langis at nagkaroon ng pagtaas sa presyo ng bigas, medyo nadagdagan ng kaunti ang ating mga kababayang mahirap (When oil and rise prices rose, the number of our poor compatriots also increased)," NAPC Secretary Domingo Panganiban said in an interview with GMA News’ John Consulta.

According to NAPC, one can be considered poor if his total daily income is lower than P166 or the total household income is lower than P5,000 monthly.

The report said NAPC has provided a list of places considered as “hot spots" or places that have a considerable number of poor people.

These are the provinces of Masbate, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Mt. Province, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Samar, plus the National Capital Region (Metro Manila).

NAPC noted that half of these places are located in Mindanao, while there are at least two million poor families in Metro Manila alone.

According to the National Statistical Coordinating Board (NSCB), Port Area in Manila has the highest poverty incidence with 13.7 percent of its residents considered poor.

San Nicolas, also in Manila, placed second with 8.93 poverty incidence rate. This was followed by Intramuros in Manila with 7.97%; Navotas town with 7.41%; Tondo, Manila, 6.73%; Taguig City, 5.23%; Caloocan City, 5.16%; Malabon 5.10%; Valenzuela 4.4; and San Miguel in Manila with 4.37 %.


‘Poorest municipality’

Meanwhile, Siayan in Zamboanga del Norte province was declared by the NSCB as the poorest municipality in the country with a 97.5 poverty incidence rate, or only three out of its 100 residents could be considered well-off.

This was followed by Tanudan in Kalinga, 88.1%; Sominot in Zamboanga del Sur, 87.5%; Tangkal in Lanao del Norte, 86.7%; Midsalip in Zamboanga del Sur, 86.3%; Bagulin in La Union, 85.5%; Leon B. Postigo (formerly Bacungan) in Zamboanga del Norte, 85.5%; Jose Abad Santos in Davao del Sur and Godod in Zamboanga del Norte, both with 84.6%; Lapuyan in Zamboanga del Sur, 84.3%; and San Luis in Agusan del Sur, 83.1%.

For the provincial level, the NSCB cited Western Samar in the Eastern Visayas region as the province with the highest poverty incidence in the country, with 68 percent of its total residents considered living under poverty level.

Next is Agusan del Sur with a 64-percent incidence, followed by Masbate at 61.3%. Zamboanga del Norte and Surigao del Norte were next with 55.9% poverty incidence rate.

In conducting the survey, the NSBC used the small area poverty estimate model to predict the poverty incidence and the literacy rate of the breadwinner as its major basis for predicting the person’s economic status.

This was followed by the ownership of residence, their quality of housing, which includes their access to sanitary toilet, access to electricity, and their house roofing.


‘What to do’

In its recommendation, the NSCB asked President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to consider the listed poorest places as priority for government programs.

“Dapat pagbutihin talaga ang mga anti-poverty program kaya madalas dalas din ang meeting ni Presidente sa anti-poverty commission (We should really improve our anti-poverty programs. This is why the President regularly meets the anti-poverty commission)," Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said.

NSCB Secretary-General Romulo Virola said the government can now take its pro-poor programs down the municipality level from the present national level.

“Ngayon na meron tayong poor municipality and rich municipalities, (Now that we have identified the poor and rich municipalities) the poverty intervention programs can now go down to the municipality level," he said.

Assistant Secretary Florita Villar of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Program Policy Group said the department will use the study as basis in implementing social assistance programs.

“Gagamitin naming reference itong 40 poorest municipalities. Ito ang uunahin natin (We will use this study as our reference to address the 40 poorest municipalities)," she said.

Some lawmakers disagree with the pro-poor programs of the government, saying its not a solution to alleviate poverty.

Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante said the government should inform the poor sector how they can avail themselves of these benefits.

“Our people should know and must be well-informed kung ano ba ‘yung mga anti-poverty programs na ‘yan. Kung paano sila makakakuha at kung ano ang kanilang gagawin (Our people should be informed how they can avail themselves of these poverty programs)," Abante said.

Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño said that the poor sector needs a higher salary income and not the “one-shot subsidies," or the dole-out programs of the government.

“The people need programs like the P125 across the board wage increase and not the one time subsidy programs of the government," Casiño said.

Economists also say it’s impossible for the government to alleviate the country’s poverty situation without first addressing the country’s education, unemployment, and population problems.

“Kung ang isang nanay ang natapos niya lang ay mababa pa sa high school malamang ang anak niya ay anim o pito. ‘Pag ang nanay naman nakatapos ng kolehiyo ang anak niya lang ay dalawa. So doon palang makikita niyo na (If a mother’s educational attainment is not higher than secondary education, most likely she will have five or six children. But if a mother was able to finish college, she will probably have two kids. So from here you’ll see the difference)," said Prof. Benjamin Diokno of the UP College of Economics. - (Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV)
Read rest of story...

In a move to mitigate if not prevent damages of properties or losses of lives arising from disasters such as in St. Bernard, Guinsaugon, Leyte landslide, the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) Caraga under the auspices of the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) conducted a Contingency Plan Formulation Workshop on Landslide here recently.

The workshop aims to effectively prepare for, prevent, respond to, recover from and mitigate the effects of landslides. The workshop also aims to organize potential response structure, mechanisms, resources, and disaster risk reduction measures that are focused into landslide.

The contingency planning workshop also aims to build organizational capacity and should become a foundation for operation planning and emergency response as well as for other disaster management related planning.

Contingency planning for landslide in the region is expected to pool resources together and strengthen inter-agency coordination at the advent of early warning signals of an impending landslide disaster.

It is expected to assist in generating commitment among parties involved to act in a coordinated manner before the emergency occurs; mobilize effective actions and resources emergency response and design a concrete and continuous plan until the emergency occurs.

Different regional line agencies and local government units of Caraga attended the workshop. After the three-day activity, the group was able to come up with a useful and effective contingency plan for landslide in Caraga.

The contingency plan is more likely to be implemented in Dinagat Island considering that most areas of the province is landslide-prone.

The plan also ensures the availability of resources of each agency that can be used during disaster. A flow chart on what to do during landslide emergency is also included in the plan. (PIA-Caraga)
Read rest of story...

Ubos sa administrasyon ni Gob. ROBERT ACE BARBERS, pinaagi na sa buhatan sa Provincial Social Services Office-Population Division ug sa Department of Education, nag malampuson ang ilang duha (2) ka adlaw nga 18th POPDEV Club Convention nga nagdala sa tema: “ Population and Development for the Youth “ nga gipahigayon sa atong Provincial Convention Center.

Ubay-ubay nga mga kalihokan ang gipahigayon sama sa: POPDEV QUIZ 2008; Essay Writing Contest; Election of POPDEV Club Presidents/Advisers; Search for Mr. & Ms. POPDEV Club 2008.

Usa usab sa ilang kalihokan mao ang pag inambitay sa mga experiensya ug mga maayong plano alang sa maong organisasyon diin aktibong gi partiseparan sa mga estudyante ug mga advisers.

Kining maong panagtigom gisalmotan sa nagkalain-laing eskuylahan sa tibuok probinsya sa Surigao del Norte. (Media Affairs Office)

Read rest of story...

Over the last few months this blog has degenerated into a cesspool of mudslinging and abusive comments. I know some of the readers here were also guilty by responding and posting abusive comments which have only served to inflame the situation. For this I would like to apologize to all those who have been offended bisan dili kun ako adto an nagkomento but then as a blog author naa pod tay responsibilidad special mention na an organisasyon sa mga media sa Surigao, the Media Association of Surigao headed by its President, Mr. Jun Clerigo. Pasensya na gajud.

To Beng, I also agree with you, I think criticisms that are constructive and trying to search for possible reforms in the way normal and sound minded people should be, dapat sad jaon ipagawas. And nakita nako an avenue sa blogging, for me it is a useful forum on which to exchange our views and experiences, and furthermore a means by which we can help each other by passing on information.

I would rather see one sensible comment that indicates a person has actually read my blog, than see a hundred senseless ones. This blog started as an enjoyable place to read the latest information in our beloved province but I think everyone would agree that it has sunk a bit to a level that is detrimental to some of our fellow Surigaonons and has most likely caused a number of readers to leave, nadis-appoint sila.

I am trying to offer an olive branch and hope, with our Fiesta coming up, that we can all bring a bit of peace, goodwill and joy to this blog by returning it to be an enjoyable experience for all.

If you feel that you can only respond by posting an abusive comment then please make no comment at all as it will only reflect badly upon you rather than on me. Salamat.

Read rest of story...

-from surigaocity.gov.ph

Read rest of story...

It has never been easier to become a blog author of surigaotoday.blogspot.com - the web can make instant publishers of us all. There are plenty of places on surigaotoday.blogspot.com’s blog where you can say what you think.

For the past weeks hot topics posted on the blog included the issue on surveys, Vice Mayor Cocoy Sering’s plan to run for Mayor in the city, Mga Kalandarakas sa Media ug uban pa.

Sa kadaghan na nagcomment it is not surprising that a few postings on the blog have given cause for concern. I found out there were some irresponsible comments made. One reader complained about personal attacks directed to all the media in Surigao. Naa pay uban sa mga pulitiko. Grabe na sab, ‘below the belt na an ijo mga comments.’

If you have personal grudges sa jaon na mga tawo, adto kaw sa proper na authority mureklamo.

I know we have a freedom of speech and expression but I would like to make an appeal to you guys, be responsible! Daghan an naigo, hamok na an nasakit sa ijo mga comments. Anonymous comments and comments with foul and offensive language are now not allowed. Pagpakilaya kamo para maklaro.

The blogger reserves the right to delete inappropriate comments. Salamat.

Read rest of story...

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) in Mindanao placed in “maximum alert” all public places, particularly terminals, malls, markets, air and seaports to avert further attacks by terrorist group and other lawless elements, this was learned on Tuesday.

The area command chief of the AFP’s Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMincom) Maj. Gen. Armando “Mandy” L. Cunanan ordered all division, brigade and battalion commanders in Central, Southern, Northeastern and Northern Mindanao regions to closely coordinate with the local PNP in securing all public places and other key government and private installations in said regions.

The directive was issued in a wake of Monday afternoon bombing in a bus terminal in Digos City where six civilians were killed and 28 other persons were wounded, five of whom are still in critical condition at the various hospitals in Digos City and Davao City, said EastMincom spokesman Maj. Armand Rico.

Government authorities are looking into possibility that Al-Khobar, a terrorist and extortion group trained by the Indonesian militant Jemaah Islamiya (JI), to be behind the series of bombings in Southern Mindanao.

Last July, another passenger bus owned by Metro Shuttle Bus Liner was blasted where one passenger was killed and 35 others wounded in Digos City terminal.

Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy, owner of Shuttle Bus Liner, blamed the attack to extortion group who are allegedly demanding money. He did not elaborate.

“We are strengthening now our security forces in all public places in the region,” said Senior Supt. Nestor M. Fajura, chief operations officer of Northeastern Mindanao Police Regional Office.

He said bomb disposal experts along with K9 teams were already deployed in public and private terminals to avert the entry of terrorist group.

On the other hand, Diosdado Bravo, area manager of the largest Bachelor bus liner operating in Davao-Tagum-Butuan-Cagayan-Bukidnon-Zamboanga route, also alerted all drivers and conductors to help secure and “closely watch” their respective buses when plying to their respective destinations.

“Day and night monitoring is already strictly enforced by our personnel while we also urged our passengers to help,” said Bravo.

Only two fatalities were so far identified by the EastMincom. They were Mario Duey and Virginia Flores.

Among the wounded and presently confined at various hospitals in Digos and Davao were identified as Rufino Labudin, Teresita Banhao, Leopoldo Banhao, Gracilda Falledo, Adonis Penalosa, Ryan Duey, Dave Ritchie Melencio, Maria Almasan, Loreto Madawop, Eduardo Fernandez, Tomasa Albufera, Mario Lawane, Adorina Penaloza, Maria Tumo, Evangeline Fernandez, Dona Rose Bueno, Sylvia Almazan, Garnet Dulima, Adelina Unaled, Leo Rulio and certain Boyet Valencion.

Identities of the five other passengers were not immediately known. (PNA)
Read rest of story...

Growing up in a small, homogeneous town near Geelong in the southeastern Australian state of Victoria, the red-headed Reverend Peter O’Neill never thought he would be fighting for the rights of migrant workers in Taiwan four decades later.

Sitting in the small, humble meeting room of the Hsinchu Catholic Diocese Migrants and New Immigrants Service Center, the tall clergyman, better known as Father Peter, dressed in polo shirt and khaki pants, spoke in a soft but passionate voice about the injustice of the labor broker system, a problem that he has tried to address for much of his 17 years in Taiwan.

“The broker system in Taiwan ... well, stinks,” he said. “It is completely unfair how much they are charging the people.”

For example, he said, while the Thai government only requires its workers to pay a NT$48,000 placement fee to brokers, workers are required by Thai brokers themselves to pay anywhere between NT$120,000 and NT$140,000.

Although the Philippine government sets the placement fee at NT$28,000, brokers are charging at least NT$90,000. The Vietnamese government does not have a set placement fee structure, but brokers there are asking for up to US$7,000.

“And that’s just the money to leave their countries. Once the workers get here, they also have to pay a monthly fee of NT$1,500 to the Taiwanese brokers as required by the Taiwanese government. After deducting room and board fees, labor and health insurance and other expenses, the workers are often left with very little money to save up.”

Some workers, before leaving their homelands, are asked to sign a contract stating that if they default on monthly payments or fail to clear debts within an agreed period, labor brokers have the right to take over their families’ houses and land, he said.

Worse still, he said, some workers face a double whammy when the Taiwanese employers coerce them into performing illegal jobs, refuse to pay for overtime or demand that the workers perform jobs in the “3D” category — dirty, dangerous and difficult — that are not part of their contract.

The situation at times escalates into physical, mental and even sexual abuse if workers do not comply with the employers’ demands, he said.

However, O’Neill acknowledged that the situation in Taiwan is not entirely bleak, because there are many good and fair employers who treat their workers in a dignified and humane manner.

“But nine out of 10 people who walk into the center [have] a genuine story of abuse or exploitation,” he said.

“Many people leave here with a broken ‘Taiwan Dream,’” O’Neill said, but pointed out that others capitalize on learning the value of saving and setting practical goals, and thus are able to forge a better life for themselves after returning home.

O’Neill recalled the story of Elsa Villiamore, a former caretaker-turned-entrepreneur and the general manager of a lucrative rice mill in the Philippine town of Matinao, Surigao del Norte Province.

The mill was opened by four Filipino migrant workers, two of whom worked in Taiwan and two in Korea. With the help of O’Neill and his fellow St. Colomban missionaries, the four pooled their assets, a total of 900,000 pesos to purchase the mill.

After 11 years, the mill is now a 5 million peso (US$108,000) enterprise and employs 50 former migrant workers, including 25 who returned from Taiwan. Villiamore is also a regular guest speaker on the international labor NGO circuit, where she inspires others with her rags-to-riches story.

While in Taiwan, Villiamore was one of the participants in the Migrant Savings for Alternative Investment program started by O’Neill and other migrant labor advocates.

“The goal [of the program] is to help the migrant workers to understand the difference between what they want versus what they need and how to use their money wisely. They need to ask themselves questions like: ‘Do I need a new cellphone or do I just want a new cellphone?’” O’Neill said. “We help them to set practical goals, especially help them to see what kind of life they want their families to have after they return to their countries.”

The center’s counselors, who speak Mandarin, Thai, Tagalog, English and Indonesian, help workers learn how to decipher their pay stubs, understand their rights as migrant workers and be savvy with their finances.

“We cannot fight the battle for the migrant workers. They need to know how to stand up for themselves. We are here to empower them with the skills they need,” said O’Neill, pointing at various Legal Aid Foundation and government brochures on the shelves behind him.

In addition to money management know-how, migrant workers are also welcome to visit the center to develop computer literacy in a course taught by a Filipino migrant professional, O’Neill said.

The day after speaking to the Taipei Times, O’Neill was to travel to Taipei to collect 50 computers donated to the center by the Taipei American School.

O’Neill said that because Taiwan is not in the UN, it is not constrained by UN protocols or the regulations of the International Labor Organization. The only international framework that can influence Taiwan, he said, is the US State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons report, to which he contributes each year in collaboration with the American Institute in Taiwan.

“The situation in Taiwan is improving, but it can definitely do better,” he said. “In my prayers at night, I ask God to grant me the patience and the compassion I need [to carry on the work] … and to remember it is not the Taiwanese people [who are at fault], it is just some of the Taiwanese employers that are mistreating the workers.” (Jenny W. Hsu - Taipei Times)
Read rest of story...