Pursuing a legacy endeavor to grade schools, the provincial governor, Hon. Geraldine “Jade” Ecleo, gives away 9,000 pieces of personalized and made-to-order notebooks to all grade 2 and 3 pupils of Dinagat Islands. A total of 105 elementary schools comprising from the seven school districts of Albor, Cagdianao, Dinagat, Loreto, San Jose, Rizal and Tubajon, have benefited from the governor’s generosity.

Dr. Teofila Cabatuan, School Division Superintendent, has provided data that about 2,745 Grade II pupils and 2,809 Grade III pupils within the province have acknowledged and acquired said notebook.

Governor Jade has personally distributed these notebooks to the pupils of such recipient schools as: San Jose Central, Aurelio, Sta. Cruz, Mahayahay, Dinagat Central, Doña Helen, and Edera Elementary Schools.

In response, the administrators, teachers, and beneficiary pupils showed their warm welcome to the Governor during her visits to their respective schools, and gave her due appreciation and support for her genuine legacy endeavor to the underprivileged pupils of the province of Dinagat Islands. (Conchita M. Macalua, Ang Dinagatnon)

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Quite good enough to start a community-owned trade, a total of P180,000.00 livelihood assistance were successfully granted by the Provincial Government to two People’s Organizations here in San Jose, Dinagat Islands. Spearheaded by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Governor Jade B. Ecleo graced the awarding of P125,000.00 worth of check to Jacquez Women SKA and P55,000.00 worth to Golden Apple Association, (a group of persons with disabilities based here in San Jose) to finance their income generating projects. Present to witness the program were San Jose Mayor Benglen B. Ecleo and Vice-Mayor Mario Bagunas together with Barangay Captain Rodrigo Reponte of Barangay Jacquez, and Assistant PSWD Officer Zenaida Lerma Escopete, all shared gladness of the beneficiaries.

The Jacquez Women SKA has become the recipient of the Self-Emplyment Assistance – Kaunlaran (SEA-K) Program, a national program created by Executive Order No. 123 in 1994 which was adopted and replicated by the Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands during the program launching held December, last year. The Provincial Government entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DSWD-Field Office XIII agreeing that both agencies shall allocate P500,000.00 each in support to the program. Golden Apple Association, on the other hand, received the grant derived from 1% Elderly and Persons with Disability budget of the provincial government.

Meanwhile, two successive Basic Business Management Trainings were conducted recently by PSWDO with the Women On Work (WOW) Association of Cagdianao and Shining Star Association of San Jose respectively. As part of the program’s strategies, these two were among the nine groups that will be soon funded by the Provincial Government for the same nature of program and/ or activity.

The PSWDO head, Mrs. Virginia Salar, continues to advance the Livelihood Assistance and productivity Skills Program for the empowerment and augmentation of family income of all sectors in our community. The agenda is to cater the needs of the people through capability building, technical and financial assistance on their individual or group income-generating projects. (Maricel Plarios, Ang Dinagatnon)
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A three-day Values Orientation Workshop (VOW) was conducted recently in San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands.

The workshop which aimed at reorienting the government employees, being the frontliners in the implementation of the plans and programs of the government, with the core values necessary in rendering quality services.

About 80 personnel from the different departments of the provincial government have undergone the workshop which enabled them to review ethical and moral values to enhance their sense of commitment and dedication to public service.

Technical people who were experts on training and personnel development from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Regional Office XIII served as resource speakers.

The said workshop was facilitated by the Provincial Human Resource Management and Development Office. (SBRApelo, Province of Dinagat Islands)
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Matalandugon nga ghimo ni Gob. Ace Barbers ang usa ka Public Consultative Meeting sa mga Mamanwa kagahapong adlawa, Nov. 26, 2008, sa PPDO Conference Room sa kapitolyo.

Ang mga nagkalain-laing tribu sa mga Mamanwa sa tibuok probinsya natigum kay buot sa maalagarong Gobernador Barbers nga mapadayag nila ang ilang tanang mga mulo ug mga problema sa tagsa-tagsa nila ka katilingban.

“Angay masayran sa atong mga igsoon nga mga Mamanwa, nga sa akong administrasyon karon anaay dako nga panlantaw, pagtagad ug pagpakabana sa ilang kahimtang karon pinaagi niining atong public consultative meeting. Uban ang ilang mga lideres, dinhi atong matubag ug masolusyunan ang inyong mga gihambin nga mga problema sa dugay na napanahon, ug pinaagi niini nga ato gayud makab-ot ang tinuuray nga kalamboan sa atong mga kaigsuonang Mamanwa,” nagkanayon si Gob. Ace Barbers.

Madasigon nga nagpadayag ang mga nagkadaiyang mga miyembro sa tribu sa ilang mga problema labi na sa ilang “Ancestral Domain” nga ilang katungod nga gikuha gikan kanila. Ug usab ang pagtuman sa mga balaodnon nga subay sa ilang tradisyon ug kultura.

Nagmabungahon ang maong tigum diin napadayag usab ni Gob. Ace Barbers ang pagtinabangay tali na sa pangagamhanan ug mga mamanwa diin dako ug tabang ang mamahimo sa mga IP’s sa pag-amping ug pag protiher sa kinaiyahan nga maoy adbokasiya karon sa probinsya, labi na ang pagpresirbar sa mga mga endangered species sama sa mga Tarsier ug Sea Eagle ug mga tanum nga diri lamang makita sa atong probinsya.

Uban sa maong tigum mao usab ang Regional Director sa NCIP, Atty. Jake Dumagan, IFAD Director Menor ug Fr. Lolong Ramada sa Diocese sa Surigao del Norte.

Tungod sa dakong kadasig nga nakita ni Gob. Ace Barbers, siya mipahibalo nga pagahimuon na niya ang maong Public Consultative Meeting sa mga Indigenous People matag “Quarter”, ug kini gikalipay gayud sa tanang mga mingsalmot sa maong tigum. (PGO-Media Bureau)
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The Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands under the leadership of Governor Jade B. Ecleo is now pushing for organic farming in this water-locked province to intensify production and mitigate hunger.

A Five Million Pesos (P5M) worth of organic liquid fertilizer is now being distributed by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), headed by Oswaldo T. Borja. This project is part of the Provincial Government’s effort to enhance our land resources through organic farming.

The Crops Division Chief Alan S. Azares earlier said that the fertilizer has been procured by the Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands to augment the basic services intended for the farmers. He added that the Crops Division is now on the process of promoting organic farming in every municipality through information caravans. Each municipality is encouraged to put up demo farms where the liquid fertilizer will be utilized. (Lito A. Apelo, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist-Province of Dinagat Islands/ PIA-Caraga)
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Governor Jade B. Ecleo recently turned-over one unit elevated multi-purpose solar dryer to the seaweeds growers of Barangay New Mabuhay, municipality of Dinagat Islands. The project is initiated by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Fisheries Division, under the supervision of Senior Aquaculturist Zenda S. Elago.

In an interview with the Provincial Agriculturist Oswaldo T. Borja, the P33,480.00 worth of solar dryer is one of the priority projects of Governor Jade’s administration in her aim of making Dinagat Islands the seaweeds capital of Caraga Region. He added that this is in support to the promotion of seaweeds production as an alternative livelihood for the fisherfolk. The equipment would ensure quality-dried seaweeds that are fast becoming a lucrative business for both the local and international market. (Lito A. Apelo, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist-Province of Dinagat Islands/ PIA-Caraga)
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Surigao del Norte peace advocates are set to converge today, Nov. 27 for the celebration of Mindanao Week of Peace.

The said observance is in line with the Presidential Proclamation No. 127 dated Nov. 26, 2001 which assigns the last Thursday of November up to the first Wednesday of December every year as the Mindanao Week of Peace aimed to provide a venue for expression of peace aspirations in various forms and for convergence of peace.

This year, the celebration will commence today, Nov.27 and will end on Dec. 3.

Act for Peace Technical Working Group in Surigao del Norte together with peace advocates and other sectors of society will converge for a 'WALK for PEACE' around the city which will start at Km.1 and will end at the Surigao City Hall. A short ecumenical prayer from various religious groups and muslim community will then follow.

The highlight of the weeklong observance is the celebration of the 2nd Surigao Peace Day as declared under Sangguniang Panlalawigan resolution no. 148 series of 2007 on Dec. 2 which will start with a caravan at 1:00pm from the different municipalities in the mainland and will converge at Barangay Sta. Cruz, Placer.

The caravan will proceed to the Provincial Convention Center for an Environmental/Industrial Peace Forum as a manifestation of the provincial government's commitment to support program's projects and activities that promotes peace.

The said activity is in collaborative effort of the Mines and GeoSciences Bureau, Department of Labor and Employment with other national line agencies and the provincial government of Surigao del Norte. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Ubos sa programa ni Gov. Ace Barbers sa paghatag kabililhon sa “Responsible Parenting”, gipahigayon ang 20th Prepared Speech Contest. Kining maong contest gilunsad sa Provincial Convention Center, niadtong Nov. 20, 2008 ubos sa pag-organisa sa Provincial Social Services Office.

Ug ang migawas nga mga mananaog sa Siargao Division mao sila: Mr. Bargie N. Lim, nakadaog sa 1st place nga mirepresentar sa Gen. Luna National High School; 2nd placer Ms. Anna Marie L. Tiu nga representante SSCT Del Carmen Campus; 3rd placer Ms. Heidie Jahara L. Gelsano nga representante sa Socorro National High School; 4th placer Ms. Jamaica B. Liscano nga representante sa Roxas National High School San Isidro; ug ang 5th placer mao si Ms. Marichu Malinao nga representante sa Burgos National High School.

Sa Surigao Del Norte Division ang mga mananaog mao sila Ms. Trisha Marie P. Senados nakadaog sa 1st place nga representante usab sa SSCT- Malimono Campus; samtang ang 2nd placer mao si Ms. Apple Mae D. Bonite sa Gigaquit National High School Of Home Industries; 3rd placer mao si Mr. Jun Mark R. Galeon sa Surigao Norte National High School; 4th placer mao si Mr. Charlz Jose B. Gipala sa SSCT – Surigao City; ug ang 5th placer mao si Mr. Rogine D. Artigo sa Alegria National High School.

Dako ang pasalamat sa mga estudyante hilabi na ang mga ginikanan kang Gov. Ace Barbers sa dakong suporta nga iyang gihatag sa pag-higmata sa mga kabatan-onan karon sa paghatag importansya sa mga ginikanan. Tungod sa maong programa, labaw nga mapasalamaton ang mga ginikanan sa mga impormasyon sa saktong pamaagi sa pagdala sa pamilya ug mga anak. (PGO-Media Bureau)
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The 140th Police Provincial Mobile Group (PPMG) of the Province of Dinagat Islands conducted a five-day training on Tactical Explosive Entry held recently at the municipality of San Jose and were participated by 29 members of the said mobile group. The composition of the participants of the training was PPMG personnel from North Cluster Detachment of the municipality of Libjo and South Cluster Detachment of the municipality of Cagdianao.

The 29 participants were divided into four teams and had performed Practical Activities on Rifle Exercises, Static Firing, and Building Entry using explosives, the High Explosives Silhouette Charge, Water Charge, and Linear Charge. Part of the training was the Low Explosives and High Explosives familiarization.

The training was manned by P/SUPT Virgil Taguimon Ranes, OS (Ordinance Service) as the Training Director who made sure that all of the participants were physically and mentally fit for the whole duration through conducting daily reveille, 4-kilometer run, and the PNP dozen exercises.

This Tactical Explosive Entry Training was designed with emphasis on safety and the responsible use of tactics which has proven to be very useful in high risk tactical law enforcement situations. Trainees took further advantage of using Explosive Entry Tactics.

The said five-day training successfully ended at Don Ruben, San Jose, Dinagat Islands by a simulation with a total of 40 training hours. (PO1 Hazel Canon and PO1 Amor Soriano, Ang Dinagatnon/ PIA-Caraga)
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The provincial government held recently this year’s month-long 2nd Governor Jads’s Cup Inter-Municipality Basketball Tournament.

During the opening program, Gov. Jade B. Ecleo, the brainchild of the Sports Development Program, said the tournament which had its baptism of fire last year is designed primarily to foster teamwork and sportsmanship between and among the seven municipalities of the province of Dinagat Islands. She added that the tournament recognizes the talents and capacities of the youth as effective players in shaping a better and healthy Dinagat Islands.

Some of the highlights of the program were the hoisting of the banners and the lighting of the Urn of Friendship.

Special prizes were given out to the Best in Team Uniform and Best in Team Muse, in which the adjudged winners were the Municipalities of San Jose and Basilisa respectively.

The ceremonial tossing of the first ball by Gov. Jade marked the start of the tournament. The elimination games took off in San Jose Cultural Center and the single round robins were conducted in Cagdianao, Loreto and Tubajon Gymnasiums. The quarterfinal games were recently done in San Jose Cultural Center. (Joseph E. Marcos, HRMO II/ Member, Sports Committee/ PIA-Caraga)
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How congressmen voted in the House justice committee on the Arroyo impeachment complaint

Those who voted to dismiss the complaint for being insufficient in substance:

1. Capiz Rep. Fred Castro (Lakas-CMD)
2. Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman (Lakas-CMD)
3. Baguio City Rep. Mauricio Domogan (Lakas-CMD)
4. Negros Oriental George Arnaiz (NPC)
5. Iloilo Rep. Raul Gonzalez Jr. (Lakas-CMD)
6. Cebu Rep. Pablo John F. Garcia (Kampi)
7. Cebu Rep. Antonio Cuenco (Promdi-BOPK-Lakas)
8. Antique Rep. Exequiel Javier (Lakas-CMD)
9. Apec Rep. Edgar Valdez
10. Bohol Rep. Edgar Chatto (Lakas-CMD)
11. Lanao Del Sur Rep. Faysah Maniri Racman Dumarpa (Lakas-CMD)
12. Leyte Rep. Eufrocino Codilla Sr. (Lakas-CMD)
13. Zamboanga Sibugay Rep. Belma Cabilao (Lakas-CMD)
14. Ifugao Rep. Solomon Chungalao (LP)
15. Zamboanga del Sur Rep. Antonio Cerilles (NPC)
16. Masbate Rep. Rizalina Seachon Lanete (NPC)
17. Sulu Rep. Munir Arbison (Lakas-CMD)
18. Bohol Rep. Roberto Cajes (Lakas-CMD)
19. Tawi-Tawi Rep. Nur Jaafar (Lakas-CMD)
20. La Union Rep. Victor Ortega (Lakas-CMD)
21. Lanao Del Sur Rep. Pangalian Balindong (Lakas-CMD)
22. Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona (Lakas-CMD)
23. Isabela Rep. Giorgidi Aggabao (NPC)
24. Cebu Rep. Eduardo Gullas (Kampi)
25. Quirino Rep. Junie Cua (LP)
26. Cebu Rep. Pablo P. Garcia Sr. (Cebu-Kampi)
27. Cavite Rep, Elpidio Barzaga (Kampi)
28. Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco Matugas (Kampi)
29. Sultan Kudarat Rep. Arnulfo Go (Kampi-PTM)
30. Manila Rep. Ma. Theresa Bonoan David (Kampi)
31. Iloilo Rep. Niel Tupas (LP-Ugyon)
32. Parañaque Rep. Eduardo Zialcita (Lakas-CMD)
33. Quezon City Rep. Bingbong Crisologo (NP)
34. Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin (Lakas-CMD)
35. Batangas Rep. Victoria Reyes (Lakas-CMD)
36. Agusan del Norte Rep. Jose Aquino II (Lakas-CMD)
37. Iloilo Rep. Arthur Defensor (Lakas-CMD)
38. Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Maranon III (Kampi) for Rep. Ma. Amelita Villarosa
39. Maguindanao Rep. Simeon Datumanong (Lakas-CMD)
40. Cebu City Rep. Raul del Mar (Lakas-BOPK)
41. Bukidnon Rep. Candido Pacrudo Jr. (Lakas-CMD) FOR Rep. Eric Singson
42. Manila Rep. Maria Zenaida Angping (NPC)


Those who voted not to dismiss the complaint since it was sufficient in substance

1. Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza
2. Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casiño
3. Bukidnon Rep. Teofisto Guingona III (NP-Uno)
4. Cagayan De Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (PMP/Uno)
5. Makati City Rep. Marlen Abigail Binay (Uno/PDP-Laban)
6. South Cotabato Rep. Darlene Antonino Custodio (NPC-Aim)
7, Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo
8, San Juan Rep. Ronaldo Zamora

(This unofficial list as of 7 p.m. on November 26 was provided by the House committee on justice. Some in the list are ex-officio members of the committee.) - abs-cbnnews.com
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Lawmakers including House Speaker Prospero Nograles on Monday said Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr's testimony against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo only shows that the former House Speaker has not yet gotten over his ouster from the lower chamber's top post.

In a statement, Nograles said he thinks de Venecia is "sour graping," even as he wondered why de Venecia is only talking about the issue now when de Venecia was the House Speaker at the time of the ZTE national broadband network mess.

"My feel is that the show was clearly for sour grapes. All of these events narrated by him happened during his watch as Speaker of the House," said Nograles.

"Shakespeare should have written: Hell hath no fury than a Speaker scorned. And the joke is the Philippine song 'Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang'," added Nograles.

For his part, Agusan del Norte Rep. Jose Aquino said de Venecia should get over his losing of the House leadership.

"Joe De Venecia is blaming Malacanang and everybody else except himself for his ouster. His long and winding 45-minute monologue during the impeachment hearing only betrayed a sinister motive behind the impeachment complaint filed by his son Joey. Get over it JDV. You lost the Speakership because of your own devices," said Aquino.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco Matugas echoed this.

"We clearly see a still hurting former Speaker of the House who is using the political process of impeachment to demonize other people. He is still not over the fact that he was ousted by the great majority of his colleagues due to lack of trust and confidence," Matugas said.

Earlier, Presidential brother-in-law and Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio "Iggy" Arroyo likewise said de Venecia was only sour-graping.

"The problem with JDV is he thinks he is the only person fit for the job and hasn't really moved on after losing the perks and powers of being the Speaker of the House," said Arroyo.

During the House committee on Justice hearing earlier during the day, de Venecia said his refusal to endorse a "bogus" impeachment complaint filed by lawyer Roberto Rafael "Raul" Pulido cost him the Speakership and the Lakas CMD presidency.

"Last year, for refusing to endorse a sham and bogus impeachment complaint against the President and for supporting my son's call for truth and justice, I was removed as a Speaker of the House of Representatives and I was removed as President of the Lakas-NUCD party," De Venecia said.

De Venecia said President Arroyo asked him three to four times but he consistently refused to transmit to the Justice committee the three-page complaint. (GMANews.TV)
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The country's leading domestic airline, Cebu Pacific (CEB), begins its direct flights from Cebu to Ozamiz and Surigao earlier this month.

The former has a thrice weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) service with the lowest all-inclusive Go Lite fare starting from P688. Meanwhile, the latter has a four times weekly (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) service, which can be availed at the lowest year-round Go Lite Fare starting from P588. Passengers simply add P200 if they have check-in luggage.

These new flights mark the 18th and 19th destination CEB flies to from Cebu, respectively, signifying the importance of the airline's Cebu hub.

CEB continues to be the biggest airline operating from Cebu. It operates 184 domestic flights weekly to and from the Mactan Cebu International Airport.

From Cebu, CEB now services 15 domestic routes and four international cities (Singapore, Hong Kong, Incheon, Pusan) directly from Cebu. Aside from Ozamiz and Surigao, CEB flies to the following domestic destinations from Cebu: Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Caticlan, Clark, Davao, Dipolog, General Santos, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban, Zamboanga and Manila.

Flights can be booked through www.cebupacificair.com or its reservations hotline (02)7020888 or (032) 2308888.

Now in its 13th year, CEB has the youngest aircraft fleet in the Philippines. It currently maintains four operational hubs in Manila, Cebu, Davao and Clark.
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In response to the call to provide support and to better the lives of our fishfarmers, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Caraga introduces a new concept of helping them out.

This is a new project conceptualized by BFAR-Caraga to empower our fisherfolk and lessen their dependence on government grants, to increase their income, enhance their living and to provide continuous supply of fish in the locality. This project will first be established in Dapa, Siargao Island and will soon be replicated to other areas in the region.

A total of 10 fish cages (8m x 8m x 5m) size will be established with a stocking density of 5,000 pieces of bangus fingerlings which is to be shouldered by the lessee. The cages will be alienated into different cluster compose of four cages each.

The targeted beneficiaries are the fisherfolks and fisherfolk associations in the locality. The projected rental is equivalent to the total cost of the established cage to be paid in an installment basis. (BFAR-13/PIA-Caraga)
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Passing through the road of Dinagat Island from Cagdianao to Loreto gives Dinagatnons clues of the island’s past and a vivid picture of its current status. It also gives us a glimpse of our future towards development, or perdition.

From the picturesque road of Cagdianao, to the welcome road of Dinagat, to the hilly road of San Jose, to the scenic road of Basilisa, to the Libjo road that dissect Paragua Forest, to the rustic road of Tubajon, and to the historic road of Loreto, Dinagatnons could see indicators of current endeavors towards local development. New bridges, concreting & repairing of roads, and sprouting of public signboards are almost everywhere. Old roads are having a facelift, while new ones cut across uncharted terrains. It is just a matter of time when these roads will be totally paved with concrete.

From these roads, Dinagatnons could see protected watershed areas, reforested coasts & highlands, bat sanctuaries, and marked fish sanctuaries. And yes, one could also see denuded forest covers, coal remnants of slash and burn, house shacks built closely along roads, burnt garbage dump, uncollected litter of plastics, cemeteries that encroached on road proximities, and murky flowing water of streams from mining operations. The juxtaposition of these two sceneries offers great challenges to the new province. Should we be responsible stewards of the place we proudly call home or allow tradition, superstition, peer pressure, financial want, or vote looping obscure our decisions? The response of every Dinagatnon, whatever it may be, will surely shape the future of Dinagat Islands. To discern what is best for Dinagatnons is the responsibility we each carry on our shoulder.

Unlike Butuan, little is written about the ancient history of Dinagat Island. The 20th century however witnessed the emerging of the island in the map of the Philippines. Three major events captured national attention and changed the lives of Dinagatnons. First was the spread of cholera epidemic from Manila to Dinagat in 1930’s that resulted to an octopus effect threatening to dissipate Dinagat’s sparse population. This epidemic eventually spread to the municipalities of mainland Surigao alerting local health authorities on end. Their epic quest to contain its spread was very well documented in Philippine medical journals. Second was the gallant struggle of Filipino and American soldiers against the Japanese soldiers in Loreto Municipality at the dusk of World War II. Their brave stance helped opened the door of Philippine liberation capped by the heroic re-entry of General Douglas MacArthur to fulfill his promise of return after abandoning his comrades in Bataan and Corregidor at the onset of the war. Third was the establishment of a haven for the members of Philippine Benevolent Movement Association in Barangay San Jose, Dinagat Municipality in 1970’s. Their arrival suddenly highlighted the need of more social services in the island. These three (3) major events re-shaped local dynamics that eventually resulted to the creation of the Province of Dinagat Islands.

But the greatest story of Dinagat Islands still has to be written. It did not unfold in our ancient and recent past. But it can unfold right now, right in front of us, under our noses, with the real sceneries we actually see today as the backdrop, and us as the players. It can happen if we Dinagatnons successfully combat environmental challenges and other social ills that confront us today; if we help each other help create a system that safeguards ecological services while ensuring efficient social services to Dinagatnons; if we jump start the new province with the right foot forward & not in our mouth; and if we seize this moment & use it to show smart leadership this part of Mindanao. Yes, we can write our greatest story right now, making our times the golden era of this province.

However, dilemmas should be squarely confronted: Should we choose economy or ecology? Conservatism or liberalism? Exclusion or inclusion? Utilitarianism or selective justice? Democracy or authoritarianism? Money or morality? Personal values or organizational values? Should we choose to protect our environment? Or use environment as a means to our personal end? It is prudent that we choose carefully our decisions especially when the plot of the story we would like to write is full of uncertainties.

Each of us has a role to play. And the role we play today may be considered a lead part by the judgment of history many years from now. It may be the role of a villain or a supporting one, history will say. Moreover, it is the interplay of these roles and its effects that are in fact the real road of our journey as a people towards progress, or maybe perdition.

But whatever the results of our own doing, we should be Dinagatnon enough to face the consequences. Like the soldiers of Loreto, we should be brave enough to look at death at its face. Like the cholera-fighting health personnel, we should contain damages through humility, sincerity, commitment, and hard work. Like most early PBMA migrants, we should show stoic perseverance.

Enough with rationalizations like heaping blames to spirits when we commit dastardly acts. We all have to be responsible and accountable to all our actions. After all we are living in a real world, lest we forget.

Few days ago, an aging mother went to my office requesting me for the signing of the death certificate of her son whom I had not seen. She showed me barangay certification that indeed her son was a resident of San Jose Municipality and actually died at their home unattended by health personnel. But what struck me was her insistent that her son died from “Daut”. Accordingly, her son was gidautan because he died soon after he had a haircut. After reviewing her son’s medical history and the circumstances of his death, it was obvious that her son died from Myocardial Infarction (MI). But still the mother was insistent that it was daut and even suggested that I write Gidautan as the Cause of Death. It was only after a lengthy explanation of the patho-physiology of MI that she accepted that it was after all not Daut. And in long afterthought, she deeply regretted that they didn’t bring her son to Dinagat District Hospital that could have saved his life.

This ignorance is alarming. This shows that we lack proper health Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns, our referral system is ineffective, our communities have inappropriate health-seeking behavior, and our district hospitals are not that appealing.

Yes, our current road is not perfect. In some part it is dusty, in some part concrete and smooth. But it is this imperfect part that gives us opportunities to hold each other’s hands in shaping our future. It gives us a chance to act a leading role, to stick to universal principles, to fight for super-ordinate global causes, and to transcend beyond ourselves.

In the very near future when circumnavigation of the whole Dinagat Island is already possible due to the concrete road that revolves around the island, Dinagatnons could immediately fathom the profound meaning of social change, see the bigger view of peace & development, discern the lessons of the past, and harness renewable resources in building our future. Not for personal ends or family preservation, but for the common good of the greatest number of Dinagatnons both now and the future.

But each Dinagatnon has to act responsibly, for each our action contributes to our shared concrete road to development.

And maybe at last, this is our greatest story unfolding today. (Adriano Petagara Suba-an, RMT, MD, MPH ,MCHM – Provincial Health Officer II)
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A Cebu City-based lawyer and a Palace of Justice official have been charged with estafa before the Regional Trial Court yesterday for allegedly attempting to sell a parcel of land they didn’t own to a Filipino waiter in Hawaii.

Lawyer Marlon Cabilan and Engr. Isagani Saranillo were the named respondents of the estafa case filed by Romulo Rodger Enojardo of Punta Princesa.

The information of the complaint was not however given to the media.

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-7 director Medardo de Lemos signed the said complaint.

The FREEMAN tried to get Sarnillo’s side, but he refused to comment on the matter.

The charge comes after an investigation that the NBI began late last year.

Based on the complaint, Cabilan and Saranillo allegedly conspired to sell to Enojardo a 434-square-meter property in Gemsville Subdivision, Lahug for P2 million in January 2006.

Enojardo, feeling fortunate that he was able to acquire a sufficiently large area of prime real estate for such a low cost, ended up sending money to Saranillo over a period of close to two years for the purchase, plus an additional amount to develop the property.

Enjorado sent the two P900,000 over Western Union from the period of January 2006 to May 2007 and paid Western Union P100,000 in fees for the several times that he had sent money.

According to the complaint, the two sold a property owned by a certain Herbert and Peterline Lalaine Bautista of Surigao City.

On Jan. 16, 2006, Saranillo asked Enojardo for P100,000 as “earnest money” to indicate his intent on buying the property.

He sent the money and, in return, received from Saranillo by way of courier, “certified true copy of the documents of the property” that, Saranillo said, came from the Office of the Cebu City Register of Deeds.

He likewise got a copy of a deed of absolute sale, which Saranillo claimed he got from Cabilan. The document was notarized by Cabilan.

In March of the same year, the payments began.

Enojardo said Saranillo first asked him to send P250,000, saying that Cabilan called him to say that the property owner needed the cash for medicine.

In July 2006, Enojardo said Saranillo again informed him that the landowner needed an additional P50,000. The amount was again sent via Western Union.

On April 2007, Saranillo said that Bautista needed P50,000 for medicine.

Last May, it was Cabilan who allegedly called Enojardo and asked that P300,000 be sent for the capital gains tax payment needed so he can process the transfer documents of the property.

Convinced that Cabilan was telling the truth, and after sending the P300,000 Enojardo instructed Saranillo to buy filling materials to level his “newly acquired” parcel of land.

The couple however denied any intention to sell their property when the complainant asked them.

A P40,000 bail has been recommended for the suspects. —Jasmin R. Uy /NLQ (THE FREEMAN)
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The Gatchalian-led Wellex Industries Inc. is planning to sell some assets to raise funds and enhance liquidity in preparation for a more difficult business environment next year.

At the sidelines of its annual stockholders meeting Thursday, company president Wesley Gatchalian said they may dispose of some equipment owned by a non-operating subsidiary, Plastic City Industrial Corp. (PCIC).

"The board hasn’t approved it yet but that’s one of the options we are looking at to gain more cash. The properties or lands, meanwhile, will be kept by the company," he said.

PCIC and its units have ceased operations and decided to just lease out their warehouse facilities. The company owns around 40 warehouses.

Wellex, meanwhile, is all set to enter the mining and oil exploration sectors. Gatchalian said they are in talks with several Chinese companies for potential joint ventures.

"Our interest is more on chromite ore, gold and copper, not nickel because its price has dropped 100 percent in the past months," Gatchalian noted.

Earlier, Wellex said it was looking at about 10 mining sites in Palawan province and Caraga region, including Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur. (abs-cbn)
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Wellex Industries Inc., which currently leases out its warehouse facilities, is currently seeking board approval to sell some of its assets and use the proceeds for mining and oil exploration.

The company plans to sell “mainly equipment that are dilapidated already…to gain more liquidity, especially next year," Weslie T. Gatchalian, Wellex Industries Inc. President and chief executive officer, said at the sidelines of its stockholders meeting.

Only 24 of 40 warehouses—owned by its subsidiary Plastic City Industrial Corp.—are currently being leased. Contents of its unoccupied warehouses will be sold, allowing the company to rent it out to customers.

However, Gatchalian said that the company is not inclined to dispose of its properties since these are its biggest assets.

The company will use internally-generated funds to explore for chromite ore in properties it will soon acquire in Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat island, Gatchalian added.

Gatchalian also raised the possibility that Wellex may participate in an property auction to be undertaken by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“We’re assessing the costs of doing the exploration and mining development. From there we will then asses where we’ll get the funds or what options we have," he said. (GMANews.TV)
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The Philippine National Police in Caraga Region continues to intensify its anti-criminality measures, scoring modest successes in cases involving robbery, hostage-taking, illegal gambling, and others.

Robbery And Hostage Taking

Progress report was prepared regarding robbery and hostage taking that transpired on Monday (November 17) at 4:OO in the morning at Sitio Lubcon, Barangay Mabahin Cortes, Surigao del Sur.

One Jodie Rulona alias "Dodo", 28 years old, single, jobless and a resident of Purok-1 Barangay Mabahin, Cortes, Surigao del Sur wearing bonnet forcibly entered the house of Alberta Masong of the abovementioned place and held at gunpoint one Mrs Mary Joy Rivera, school teacher and tenant of the said residence. The suspect demanded money from the occupants and the owner of the house, which they failed to immediately produce causing the suspect to get mad which caught the attention of the nearby residents.

At about 8:00 in the morning of same date, the suspect fired his firearm at the crowd outside, hitting a six year old boy Seperino Megarrio on the left leg who was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. At the same time, PSUPT Richard Dela Rosa, OIC, Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Office together with the organized crisis Management Team arrived at the area and started the planning and negotiation for the release of the hostage victim. The suspect demanded P25,000.00 cash money.

Also, at about 9:00 in the morning of same date, the demanded cash money was given to the suspect. Again, the suspect demanded for a vehicle with a driver. The crisis management team made a plan to disguise PINSP Darwin Yu, COP Cortes Municipal Police Station to act as a civilian driver and to be followed by a back-up vehicle.

Meanwhile, at 10:00 in the morning of same date, the suspect together with the hostage boarded the vehicle driven by PINSP Yu. And at about 10:20 in the morning of same date at Sitio Hilamon, Barangay Burgos, Cortes, Surigao del Sur, PINSP Yu acting as a driver finds opportunity to bumped the vehicle to a falcata log beside the road, causing the suspect to loss balance and an opportunity for PINSP Yu to grab the firearm of the suspect, while the victim was able to get out from the vehicle. The suspect was then apprehended and the victim was rescued. Recovered from the suspect is one caliber .38 revolver with 4 live ammos; one empty shell and P25,000.00. Suspect is now detained at Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Office, while appropriate charges now prepared for filing in court.


Arrest of wanted persons

On Tuesday (November 18) at 7:00 in the morning at Barangay Bad-as, Placer, Surigao del Norte, elements of Placer Municipal Police Station led by PINSP Alejandro Galido Recimo, COP arrested the suspect identified as Ryan Astronomo Bebita, 24 years old, single and res. of said place. Suspect was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest under criminal case number 08-455 for Attempted Homicide, issued by Judge Rolando Literato, presiding Judge of MCTC Placer-Bacuag, dated September 24, 2008 with recommended bailbond of P12,000.00. Subject person was released from custody of Placer Municipal Police Station after putting up a bailbond per OR number 11630350 issued by the Office of the Clerk of Court, MCTC, Placer, Surigao del Norte.

At about 10:00 in the morning at Purok-1, Barangay Ampayon, Butuan City, elements of Butuan City Police Station-4, Butuan City Police Office led by PSI Ferdinand Dacillo served a warrant of arrest (WOA) to one Arnulfo Laude, 60 years old, married and a resident of Purok Gabi, Barangay Basag, Butuan City by virtue of warrant of arrest under criminal case number 13171 for Attempted Parricide, issued by Judge Francisco Maclang of Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 5, Libertad, Butuan City dated November 18, 2008 with recommended bailbond of P120,000.00. Subject person is now detained at Butuan City Police Station-4 for proper disposition.

Also, at 10:00 in the morning at the vicinity of Barangay Payasan, Lianga, Surigao del Sur, joint elements of Lianga Municipal Police Station led by PINSP Ronel Tesorero and PSOG, Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Office led by SPO2 Emmanuel Isiang, conducted manhunt operation against wanted person which resulted to the arrest of a certain Alfredo Ganillo Perater, 54 years old, married, farmer and a resident of Paradise, Barangay Magsaysay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. Arrested person has standing warrant of arrest for the crime of Murder docketed under criminal case number 2004-7-2835 with no recommended bailbond, and Frustrated murder docketed under criminal case number 2836-T with recommended bailbond of P200,000.00 issued by Judge Merlyn Pacarro-Canedo, RTC, Branch 29, Bislig City dated February 5, 2008. Subject person is now detained at Lianga Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.


Arrest of illegal gambling suspect

On Monday (November 17) at 9:00 in the morning at Purok-5, Barangay Poblacion, Trento, Agusan del Sur, elements of Trento Municipal Police Station led by PO2 Arnold Tucong under close supervision of PINSP Celso Acero conducted operation against illegal gambling which resulted to the confiscation of one unit fruit game machine operating in plain view with cash coins inside, amounting to P120.00.

Allegedly, said machine was owned by a certain Edgar Putting Bato alias "Egoy", of legal age and a resident of Monkayo, COMVAL Province. Confiscated item was brought to Trento Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.


Report of vehicular accident

On Sunday (November 16) at 6:50 in the evening at the National Highway of Sitio Surok, Barangay Amag, Bayabas, Surigao del Sur, the victim identified as Rucrie Alcala, 33 years old, married, a driver and a resident of Bayugan-1, Agusan del Sur while driving an Isuzu Mixer with plate number XGJ-337 owned by Luciano Construction, the vehicle accidentally fell into a cliff while running at the blind curve road. Initial investigation conducted by Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Office disclosed that the Mixer truck was running empty from Bunawan, Agusan del Sur. Upon reaching the blind curve of the said highway the driver losses control of the vehicle and fell into the cliff. Cadaver of the victim is still to be recovered by Luciano Construction personnel. Progress report follows.

On Saturday (November 15) at 9:00 in the evening at Ram Compound Barangay Doña Telesfora, Tubay, Agusan del Norte, victim who was identified as Pedrito Ompoc, 50 years old, married and a resident of the said place was accidentally ran over by a Fighter Forward vehicle driven by Ruel Magsigay, 38 years old, a resident of Jagupit, Santiago, Agusan del Norte which resulted to his instant death. Investigation revealed that the driver had just started moving the truck when the victim who was allegedly drank climbed up the truck at the side portion. Due to drunkenness the victim fell into the ground and was ran over by the rear wheels that resulted to his instant death. The driver voluntarily surrendered to Tubay Municipal Police Station and the case is now under investigation for proper disposition. (PnP)
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The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through the Educational Benefit System signed yesterday (November 19) a Memorandum of Agreement with eight higher educational institutions in Caraga Region in providing free education to dependents of soldiers who are in-service and those who were killed in action.

In a solemn and heart-pounding awarding ceremony held in one of the local convention centers here, eight tertiary schools and universities from the region pledged to support the program by offering full tuition fee discounts in selected courses they are offering.

Among the highlights of the agreement made between AFP and Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU), the first home-grown university in Caraga is that, the university will provide five slots per year covering full tuition and matriculation fees. The educational benefit is applicable to any undergraduate course except Nursing and Law. The program may be availed by dependents of combat casualties.

Same with FSUU, Saint Paul University (SPU) – Surigao City Campus provides five slots covering full tuition discount. The educational benefit shall be applicable in any undergraduate course offered by the school and the program may be availed by dependents of and active and inactive military personnel.

For Holy Child Colleges of Butuan, they committed to provide unlimited slots covering full tuition fee discount. The educational benefit is applicable in all educational level from elementary to college and master programs. The program shall apply to all dependents of active and inactive military personnel.

The New Northern Mindanao Colleges (NORMI) of Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte will provide five slots per year covering 100 percent tuition fee discount. The educational benefit is applicable to any undergraduate course offered by the school. The program may be availed by dependents of active and inactive military personnel.

On the other hand, Butuan City Colleges (BCC) committed to provide ten 100 percent scholarship slots covering tuition fees for four year courses. Another ten slots of 50 percent tuition fee discount will also be extended upon the consumption of the first ten slots while five slots of 50 percent tuition fee discount for short courses can also be availed by the grantee. The program may be availed by dependents of active and inactive military personnel.

Surigao Education Center (SEC), also in Surigao City will provide ten slots covering full tuition fee discount in tertiary level. The educational benefit is applicable in any undergraduate course offered by the school and may be availed by dependents of active military personnel.

Butuan City Colleges (BCC), one of the oldest schools in this city committed to provide one slot for the first year covering full tuition fee discount. The educational benefit is applicable to any undergraduate course offered by the school. The program may be availed by dependents of active and inactive military personnel. Also, additional slots will be determined by the school.

Finally, the Northeastern Mindanao Colleges in Surigao City also committed to support the program but at present, the MOA was still on the process of finalization.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Alexander Ambal, Chief and General Manager of the AFP Educational Benefit System Office said in a roundtable discussion with the local press that he was overwhelmed with the response of the academic institutions here in Caraga and foresees the sustainability of the program because of the unending support of the partner institutions in Caraga.

This was supported by Major General Ricardo David Jr., Commanding General of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army by saying that the dependents of the soldiers especially those who were killed in action here in the region are fortunate to have the support of these educational institutions "because these schools and universities have also implemented high standards of education", he said.

Also during the ceremony, Certificates of Scholarship were awarded to dependents of Private First Class Jaypee Balgosa and Roel Traquena of the Philippine Army who were both killed in an encounter with insurgents in Lingig, Surigao del Sur.

This noble effort of the AFP is in line with the thrusts and programs of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo particularly in educating dependents of soldiers.

Present during the MOA-signing are representatives and heads of the eight educational institutions. Representing the AFP is Deputy Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Rodrigo Maclang.

For inquiries regarding the program, contact the AFP Educational Benefit System Office (AFPEBSO) at Gate 6, Gen. Enrile corner Gen. Ramos Avenue, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City at (02) 912-6922 or 911-6153. They can also be contacted thru fax number 912-9606 or visit the website at www.afpebso.org.ph. (PIA-Caraga)
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On Thursday (November 13) at 7:30 in the evening in Barangay Maasin, Pilar, Surigao del Norte, PNP elements of Pilar Municipal Police Station led by PINSP Joseph Geofrey P Lim arrested the suspects who were identified as Alyn Acido, 17 years old, single;Sandy Morial, 22 years old, single; and Domingo Morial, 51 years old, married, all resident of Barangay Maasin, Pilar, Surigao del Norte. Suspects were caught in the act engaged in illegal gambling locally known as "swertres". Confiscated from the suspects' possession were 29 pieces tally sheet; one unit Honda TMX motorcycle, color red with plate number LM 5797 and cash bet money amounting to Php 1,657.00. Suspects are now under the custody of Pilar Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.

Thursday (November 13) at 7:40 in the evening at the sidewalk of J.C. Aquino Avenue, Zacor, Barangay Tandag Sora, Butuan City, PNP elements of Butuan City Police Station 1 led by PSI Ronaldo Plaza conducted operation that led to the apprehension of the suspect identified as Arnold Hingan Bantog (usher), 35 years old, married and resident of Purok-20, Barangay San Vicente, Butuan City. Confiscated from the suspect's possession were six pieces filled-up "swertres" tally sheet, one piece calculator, one ballpen and cash bet money worth Php 504.00. Suspect was brought to Butuan City Police Station-1 for proper disposition.

On Saturday (November 15) at 8:10 in the evening at the sidewalk of P. Burgos Extension, Barangay Tandang Sora, Butuan City, PNP elements of Butuan City Police Station-1 led by PSINSP Ronaldo Plaza arrested the suspect identified as Benjamin Saligan (usher), 37 years old, single and resident of said place. Suspect was arrested while caught in the act engaged in illegal gambling locally known as "swertres". Confiscated from the suspect's possession were nine pieces tally sheet, one calculator, one ballpen and cash bet money amounting to Php 940.00. Arrested person was brought to the Office of Vice Control Section Butuan City Police Office for proper disposition. (PNP)

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Six Australian and one British nationals were rescued after the fishing boat they rented for surfing activity capsized at the height of tropical depression “Tonyo” off the sea waters of Barangay Garcia, Sta. Monica town, Surigao del Norte.

Chief Supt. Jaime E. Milla, regional director of PRO 13, said the rescued Australian and British nationals were immediately brought to nearby hospital for medical aid.

“They are already out of danger,” said Milla.

The region’s police chief identified rescued Australian nationals as Damien T. Miller, 46; Anderson Poss, 48; Graham Jones, 47; certain Peter, 47; certain David, 46; and certain Hugo, 11 years old and son of David.

The British national was identified as Marcus El Korasmy, 48.

Miller, Poss, Jones, Peter, David and Korasmy, are all surfers and tourists in the Philippines.

They were rescued by villagers and fishermen in Sta. Monica.

The capsizing of their rented fishing boat happened at 9 o’clock in the morning.

Initial report stated that the foreign nationals had just arrived in the surfing area when hit by big waves causing the fishing boat to capsize.

Some fishermen in the area noticed the incident and immediately conduct rescue operation. (PNA)
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PHILEX Mining Corp., a subsidiary of Philex Gold, Inc., has completed the pre-feasibility study of its Surigao del Norte copper-gold mine, the company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

The study, completed by South African consulting firm Independent Resource Estimations, said the Boyongan copper-gold project is economically viable given the estimated net present value of $150 million, at longterm metal prices of $2.75 per pound of copper and $700 per ounce of gold.

Philex assumed full control of the 5,184-hectare copper-gold mine after it bought the 50% equity from Anglo American Exploration (Philippines) BV for $55 million late September.

Anglo American earlier found mining operations in the Boyongan property unworkable. The company’s feasibility study on the mine site said the property contains minerals without "reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction."

The pre-production projects would include two years of pre-stripping to allow a mine life of 14 years at a constant millfeed rate of 5 million metric tons per year, the company said. (Neil Jerome C. Morales, BusinessWorld)
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The Department of Education (DepEd), the Foundation for Information Technology Education and Development (FIT-ED), Intel Philippines and the University of the Philippines National Institute of Science and Mathematics Education Development (UP-NISMED) recently lauded selected local government units (LGUs), learning institutions and individual educators at the 3rd Intel Teach Awards for 21st Century Educators.

Surigao City, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT)–Iligan City Division, and the province of Laguna receive fund grants from Intel as they are cited as Intel Teach Community of Learning Champion Awardees.

Lauded for fostering an enabling environment for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) integration in education, MSU-IIT–Iligan City Division is set to receive a P120,000 fund grant; Surigao City, plus the province of Laguna will be getting P100,000 each.

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said, “We laud Intel for its innovative ways of bringing the benefits of 21st century learning to our public school system.”

“Your continuing support will certainly encourage our teachers, learners and community stakeholders to seriously consider ICT as a powerful tool in education,” he added.

Plaques of appreciation are also presented to the municipalities of Marikina, Cavite, Naga, Camarines Norte, Mandaue, Makati, Calbayog and Muntinlupa for spearheading the Intel Teach Program as a model for ICT integration into their respective education systems.

Finally, 16 Mater Trainers (MTs) are also given Certificates of Appreciation for conducting trainings to volunteer units in 2008.

Intel Teach is Intel’s professional development program designed to help teachers effectively integrate technology with learning.

In the Philippines, Intel Teach has trained 91,616 teachers since the program was launched in 2001.

This year, Intel Teach branches out to private schools with the successful piloting of the program in Notre Dame of Greater Manila (NDGM)), a private, sectarian, Catholic school.

In January 2006, Intel Chairman Craig Barrett announced plans to expand Intel Teach to an additional 10 million teachers from all over the world by 2011.

Intel Teach in the Philippines is enhanced by the Community of Learning (CoL), a cluster of institutions and organizations in a geographic area all working together to harness technology in fostering quality education.

A COL’s a network includes teachers, trainers, support providers, students, education policymakers, planners, and administrators, technical support staff, education researchers, parents, local governments, and other education stakeholders that share information, expertise, and resources in support of technology integration in schools.

As in all communities, CoLs are defined by a shared purpose, that is, technology integration, and a sense of belonging – membership and accountability.

Since its pilot in 2005, nine active CoLs have been thriving in various parts of the country.

In these communities, program-based support and extensive interaction among stakeholders are fully utilized to achieve ICT integration goals.

These CoLs are in Agusan del Sur, Bulacan, Calbayog City, Iligan City, Laguna, Makati City, Muntinlupa City, Surigao City and Cavite Province.

Intel Teach is one of the cornerstones of Intel’s corporate responsibility programs. Intel’s commitment to education stems from its desire to fuel tomorrow’s innovation. (PNA)
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Thirteen local government unit officials including House of Representative members from Caraga Region with different non-government organizations (NGO) and foundations as project implementers received in 2004 a total of P64-M as farms inputs not fertilizer funds, copies of SARO issued by the Department of Agriculture revealed.

The SARO numbered E-04-00164 dated February 3, 2004 signed by finance, accounting and administrative officials of the Department of Agriculture Caraga Regional Office here have identified provincial, municipal and congressional districts officials as proponents with actual allocation releases ranging from P3 million to P5 million each with number of beneficiaries indicated in the list as recipients.

However in the same two-pages SARO it was not mentioned what kind of materials/goods the beneficiaries or recipients received except the repetition of the word bottles in each items distributed and two units of tractors for the farmers of Cantilan, Surigao del Sur.

Local officials and House of Representative members named in the February 3, 2004 SARO were Butuan City Mayor Theresa B. Plaza who got P5 million, 1st District of Agusan del Norte and Butuan City Rep. Leovigildo B. Bana-ag got P3 million.

Plaza is no longer the Mayor but her husband, Democrito “Boy Daku” is the current Butuan City Mayor while Bana-ag is no longer the Congressman.

The current First District of Agusan del Norte Congressman is Rep. Jose “Joboy” Aquino, II.

For the second district of Agusan del Norte were Nasipit, Agusan del Norte Mayor Enrico R. Corvera and Buenavista, Agusan del Norte Mayor Percenita Racho got P3 million each.

Corvera is now Agusan del Norte Vice Governor while Racho is no longer Buenavista town Mayor.

For the lone district of Agusan del Sur, the SARO named then Agusan del Sur Governor Adolph Edward “Eddie Bong” Plaza who got P5 million twice totaling to P10 million while her brother, lone district of Agusan del Sur Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Plaza of NPC got P5 million.

First District of Surigao del Norte Rep. Glenda Ecleo got P2 million while then Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte Arlene Navarro got P5 million. Ecleo is now lone district of Dinagat Islands Congresswoman while Navarro was one of the casualties of the M/V Leonida motorboat sea mishap.

The province of Surigao del Norte through then Governor Robert Lyndon Barbers got P5 million while Surigao City Mayor Alfonso Casurra got P5 million.

For Surigao del Sur, then Second District of Surigao del Sur Rep. Jessnar Falcon got P5 million, while the province of Surigao del Sur through Governor Vicente Pimentel, Jr. got P5 million.

For the first district of Surigao del Sur, then Rep. Prospero Pichay, Jr., through the Municipality of Cantilan represented by Cantilan Mayor Tomasa Guardo got P5 million for the purchase of two farm tractors for the farmers in Cantilan.

Among NGOs and foundations named in the SARO as implementors were, Ikaw at Ako Foundation for Agusan del Norte’s First Congressional District and Butuan City.

The Philippine Social Development Foundation Inc for lone district of Agusan del Sur and for Surigao del Norte while People’s Organization for Progress and Development Foundation, Inc. for the second district of Surigao del Sur.

The rest listed local government units such the City Governments of Butuan and Surigao and municipal and provincial governments as project implementors with number of barangays and farners as recipients.

Agriculture officials in the region claimed all beneficiaries/recipients including goods/items distributed in the SARO’s list were properly accounted for and follow government procedures. (PNA)
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Sa malampusong mga programa ni Gob. Ace Barbers sa pagprotiher sa atong kinaiyahan, ubay-ubay karon nga mga nagkadaiyang mga ahensya nga mipakita sa ilang kadasig ug pagsuporta sa maong dalaygon nga programa, ug gani gisundan kini karon sa paglusad sa Clean Up Our Coasts… Clean Up Surigao karong umaabot nga Nobyembre 15, 2008.

Ang maong kalihukan pamunuan sa Provincial Environment Management Office uban sa pagatambayayong sa PNP- Provincial Office uban sa koordinasyon sa City Government, DENR, Philippine Ports Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Customs, MARINA ug ang KACOSA o Kapit-Bisig Community Service Association.

Ang pagpanglimpyo sa coastal areas sa dakbayan sa Surigao molakip sa Boulevard ngadto sa Bilang-Bilang sa karon nga bulan sa Nobyembre, gipaningkamutan ug gitinguha sa mga mingsalmot sa maong kalihukan nga mahimo na kini nga "regular activity" aron mamintinar gayud ang kalimpyo sa tanang lugar labi na gayud ang atong mga kadagatan.

Dako ang kadasig ug kalipay ni Gov. Ace Barbers sa maong kalamboan diin iyang nalantaw nga pinaagi sa maong programa ang tanang mga Surigaonon magkahiusa ug mamahimo na usab ang lalawigan nga modelo sa ubang mga probinsya sa tibuok nasud labi na gayud sa atong pagpangga ug pag-amuma sa atong kinaiyahan. (PGO-Media Bureau)
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At least 18 areas in Mindanao were placed under Storm Signal No. 1 Friday morning as tropical depression "Tonyo" continued to move westward Friday morning.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said "Tonyo" was 340 km east-northeast of Davao City as of 4 a.m.

In its 5 a.m. bulletin, Pagasa also said "Tonyo" continues to interact with a cold front and may cause rains that may trigger flash floods and landslides in Eastern Visayas.

As of 4 a.m., "Tonyo" packed maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and was moving west at 15 kph.

By Saturday morning it is expected to be 70 km north of Davao City.
By Sunday morning it is expected to be 130 km north-northeast of Zamboanga City. By Monday morning it is expected to be 350 km west-northwest of Zamboanga City or 170 km south-southeast of Puerto Princesa City.

Areas under Signal No. 1 include Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Island, Siargao Island, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin Island, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Bukidnon, North Cotabato, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and South Cotabato.

Pagasa warned residents in low-lying areas and mountain slopes under Signal 1 to take precautions against possible flash floods and landslides.

Meanwhile, Pagasa said Mindanao will experience rains and gusty winds, while Bicol and Visayas will have cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms becoming widespread rains over Eastern Visayas which may trigger flashfloods and landslides.

The rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the Northeast will prevail over Northern and Central Luzon and the eastern sections of Southern Luzon and Visayas.

Coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough.

Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the Northeast and East with slight to moderate seas except during thunderstorms. (GMANews.TV)
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At least eight areas in Mindanao were placed under Storm Signal No. 1 as the active low-pressure area east of Mindanao developed into a tropical depression code-named "Tonyo."

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said "Tonyo" was 470 km east of Davao City as of 10 p.m. Thursday.

On the other hand, Pagasa said "Tonyo" was interacting with a cold front, and may trigger widespread rains that may cause flash floods and landslides in Eastern Visayas.

Pagasa said "Tonyo" packed maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and was moving west at 15 kph.

By Friday evening, it is expected to be 150 km northeast of Davao City.
By Saturday evening, it is expected to be 40 km southeast of Dipolog City. By Sunday evening, it is expected to be 330 km west of Dipolog City or 200 km southeast of Puerto Princesa City.

Areas under Storm Signal No. 1 include Surigao del Norte, Dinagat, Siargao Islands, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, and Davao Oriental.

Pagasa warned residents in low-lying areas and mountain slopes under Signal 1 to take precautions against possible flashfloods and landslides. (GMANews.TV)
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BUTUAN CITY (November 13) – On Tuesday (November 11) at 7:25 in the evening at the National Highway of Purok-1, Barangay Doña Rosario, Tubay, Agusan del Norte, one unit Isuzu D-Max pick up color blue with Plate Number KCY 303 driven by Edison Lee y Miranda,while traveling from Surigao City bound for Butuan City, upon reaching at the abovementioned place, accidentally bumped to a ten-wheeler truck color blue with Plate Number PDK 814 loaded with falcata logs which resulted to the instantaneous death of the driver Edison M. Lee and one passenger identified as Charade Tan, both of legal age.

Initial investigation disclosed that the ten-wheeler truck was on parking while having a repair of its wheels when the said Izusu D-Max approaches heading towards Butuan City and accidentally bumped the rear portion of the ten-wheeler truck.

Upon arrival of the responding PNP elements of Tubay Municipal Police Station, the driver and the crew of the ten-wheeler truck were no longer found. Tubay Municipal Police Station is still conducting investigation of the incident. (PO3 Rene Boy Ocares Bernaldez, PNP-PRO-13)

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On Sunday (November 9) at 7:00 in the morning in Barangay Puerto Princesa, Basilisa, Dinagat Islands, a certain Hedeger Torres, 48 years old, married and resident of said place was arrested by PNP personnel of Basilisa Municipal Police Station led by SPO1 Eulogio Llanos Eledia together with PO3 Seguerra and PO2 Butra with the assistance of Barangay Captain Norlito Ticod of said Barangay by virtue of WOA docketed under CC number 1134 for the crime of rape issued by Hon Judge Evangeline S Yuipco Bayana of RTC Branch 32, Surigao City with no bailbond recommended. Arrested person was temporarily detained at Basilisa Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.

Meanwhile, on Monday (November 10) at 7:00 in the morning at the Port Area of Placer, Surigao del Norte, PNP personnel from Placer Municipal Police Station led by PINSP Alejandro Galido Recimo arrested the suspect identified as Alchar Orozco, 31 years old, married and resident of Barangay Magsaysay, Placer, Surigao del Norte. Suspect was arrested by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Victor A Canoy, of MCTC Placer-Bacuag, Surigao del Norte docketed under CC number 00-271 for theft with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 10,000.00. Arrested person now detained at Placer Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. (PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania, PNP-PRO-13)

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Ang mga miyembro sa junta probinsyal nagpakita ug dako nga suporta sa mga programa ni Gov. Ace Barbers diin mapatud-an kini sa ubay-ubay nga mga naaprubahan nga mga resolusyon sa gihimo nilang sesyon sa bulan sa Oktubre.

Sa nasayran, ang mahugtanong programa ni Gov. Barbers sa kinaiyahan maoy anaay daghang naaprubahan nga resolusyon sama sa Res. No. 145-Res. Authorizing the Hon. Gov. to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement by and between the Fisheries Improved for Sustainable Harvest (FISH) Project for the Strengthening Service Delivery Mechanism of the Provincial Environment and Management Office, Res. No. 146 Resolution authorizing the Hon. Gov. to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement by and between the province of Agusan del Norte, LGUs of Kitcharao & Alegria, DENR 13, DA 13, BFAR 13, PNP 13 for the establishment of the joint checkpoint, ug usab ang Res. No. 147, Resolution authorizing the Hon. Gov. to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement by and among the DENR XIII and PNP Maritime Group, Coastguard, DILG, FISH Project, Academe and Media for the establishment of the Surigao del Norte Coastal Watch, diin gitinguha ni Gov. Ace Barbers nga hugtanong masuportahan ang ekonomikanhong pag-usbaw pinaagi sa “increased fisheries production with sustainable return of investment,” food security diin dunay daghang “equitable access to fisheries resources for food and livelihood,” ug ang pagdumala sa kinaiyahan diin maayo ang pagdumala sa mga kaisdaan pinaagi na sa ensaktong impormasyon, disiplina ug kooperasyon sa tanang mga stakeholders.

Dako ang pasalamat ni Gov. Ace Barbers sa gipakita nga suporta sa mga miyembro sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa liderato ni Bise-Gobernador Noel Catre, diin makita gayud ang tinuoray nga pagpakabana sa tanang mga opisyales sa probinsya sa pagprotiher sa atong kinaiyahan. (PGO-Media Bureau)
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The Office of the Ombudsman on Friday dismissed for lack of merit the graft cases against seven government officials, including the governors of Iloilo and Surigao del Norte.

In two separate resolutions, Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez absolved five Iloilo officials headed by Governor Niel Tupas, provincial administrator Manuel Mejorada, executive assistant II Levy Buenavista, budget officer Elena Lim, and human resources development officer Alma Ravena; as well as former and incumbent Surigao del Norte governors Lyndon Barbers and Robert "Ace" Barbers, respectively.

The case against the Iloilo officials stemmed from a complaint filed by the People's Graftwatch of Iloilo Inc in December 2007, charging them with violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well for allegedly committing "Prolonging Performance of Duties and Powers, Usurpation of Authority, and Malversation of Public Funds."

People's Graftwatch questioned why Mejorada, who was appointed as provincial director during Tupas's second term, stayed in his position even after the governor's second term in office has already expired.

The complainants even claimed that Mejorada continued to receive salaries and benefits after Tupas's second term ended. Tupas, through Buenavista, allegedly approved the payroll of Mejorada.

Mejorada was also charged with falsification, along with Lim and Ravena, who allegedly connived so that Mejorada could still have his title as a provincial administrator.

However, in her 15-page resolution, Gutierrez said that Mejorada is "lawfully" holding his position as provincial administrator even if he stayed on after Tupas's second term expired.

Gutierrez cited a Department of Interior and Local Government opinion, stating that "coterminous employees are allowed to stay in office in hold-over capacity despite the expiration of the term of office of the appointing authority for as long as no new appointment… by the present authority is made or the former are advised not to report for work anymore."

The same DILG opinion also stated that a municipal order in a hold-departure capacity is entitled to have all compensation and benefits during the hold-over period.

As for the graft case against the Barbers, Gutierrez, in a 14-page resolution, ruled against complainant Elmer Hipolito, human resources management officer II of the Surigao del Norte government's Personnel Division.

Hipolito questioned the order of the former Surigao del Norte governor, Lyndon, reassigning and directing the latter to report for work at the Pilar District Hospital. The order was only served last July 2007 when Robert Lyndon's term had already ended and Robert Ace has already assumed the gubernatorial post.

The complainant refused to heed the order and wrote a letter to the incumbent governor and to the Civil Service Commission, asking them to reconsider the directive.

In his letter, Hipolito argued that the Officer Order No. 36 was "highly arbitrary, capricious, and whimsical in the clear absence of exigency [since] there not even an iota of specific function or task that the complainant would perform at the district hospital."

The Ombudsman disagreed to Hipolito's explanation and said that "there is no sufficient evidence to engender a well-founded belief that the respondents are probably guilty" of the crime charged.

Gutierrez said the facts of the graft case did not demonstrate partiality, bad faith, or gross inexcusable negligence. "The act of Gov. Robert Ace… is allowed."

The Ombudsman said that while government employees may appeal a transfer order, they are still required to follow a reassignment order unless the CSC grants their appeal. (GMANews.TV)
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After two previous Mariculture Parks were launched in Barobo, Surigao del Sur on April 8 and Dapa, Siargao Island on May 10, Caraga Region now has three big mariculture parks after the recent launching of the third one here in Surigao City, says BFAR Caraga Regional Director Alauya R. Olama.

Olama said the new Surigao City Mariculture Park in Barangay Navajo, Surigao City sits on a 100- hectare seashore area which is open for private marine business joint venture with the local government of Surigao City.

Olama who has been with BFAR for the past 37 years and rose from the ranks said interested marine traders, fishpond growers who are interested to invest in partnership with LGUs may also communicate with the BFAR-Caraga regional office in Butuan City or its satellite offices in the region and here in Surigao City.

A marine culture park usually sits on a one hectare land or more land where local marine resources such as fish, crabs and oysters can be culturally developed and harvested.

The Barobo Mariculture Park is the second in the region– the first one to be launched under the Sustainable Management of Coastal Resources in Bicol and Caraga regions (SUMACORE) Program of the Agencia Espanla 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 out in his keynote address during the launching ceremonies of the two Mariculture Parks.

BFAR Caraga Regional Director Alauya Olama earlier said that the parks will serve as showcases of fishery technology to encourage more to investors.

He added that the yield per cropping of one cage could equal 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.

Olama said that BFAR continuously seeks for more development partnerships with the LGUs for poverty alleviation, job generation and food security in the coastal areas.

The Dapa Mariculture Zone has an area of 1,000 hectares covering the coastal barangays of Dapa, Siargao Islands.

Congressman Francisco Matugas of the First District of Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands see the park as an initial step to development, an initial answer to the growing population.

He is hoping for more assistance from the BFAR like patrol boat, payaw and cold storage for fish and other marine products.

The launching was 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 LGUs and neighboring municipalities, DA and BFAR regional and provincial officials and employees, Sangguniang bayan members, councilmen, teachers, students, residents and fisherfolk. (PNA)
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A fisherman was reported killed while three others were rescued after a fishing boat capsized several kilometers away off the shore of Barangay Caridad, Pilar town, Surigao del Norte province, a flash report reaching the regional command and tactical operation center of Northeastern Mindanao Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) here on Friday stated.

The spot report said that the sea accident happened at 3 am on Thursday.

The police report identified the lone fatality as Corsinne S. Tesiorna, a resident of Barangay Santa Cruz, General Luna town, Siargao Islands, Surigao del Norte.

The rescued other fishermen were identified as Rejin B. Borja, 34; Ronel C. Escaret, 27; and Edmar O. Escaret, 30 of that said place.

They were immediately brought to nearby Pilar town hospital and declared already out of danger.

The report said the survivors were rescued before sunrise by other fishermen from the area.

Initial investigation said that the fishing boat capsized after it was hit by big sea waves.

Report from Surigao del Norte police office cannot still determined if there are still missing fishermen in the sea incident.

Northeastern Mindanao PRO 13 Regional Director Chief Supt. Jaime E. Milla, who also chair the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) ordered Surigao police commanders to closely coordinate with the local fishing group and local government units about the incident.

Chief Supt. Milla also ordered local disaster councils to be on “alert” as bad weather condition continues to hit in Surigao areas, said PRO 13 operation and plans division chief Senior Supt. Nestor M. Fajura. (PNA)
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Sa dakong tinguha sa batan-ong Gobernador Ace Barbers alang sa kalamboan sa mga kabatan-onan, ubay-ubay ang nakadayeg ug misalmot sa gipahigayon nga Mountain Bike Challenge: “Bike for Peace” atol sa selebrasyon sa ika 64 nga Anibersaryo sa Battle of Surigao Strait, diin nagsugod ang mga bikers sa may City Hall paingon sa Lipata nagtadlas sa Sabang ug Banahaw ning dakbayan.

Tungod sa kamahinungdanon sa tumong ug tinguha sa maong kalihukan, madasigon ang tanang mingsalmot niini, ug gani usa ka Swedish nasyonal nga si Krister Johnsson ang miapil aron sa pakigduyog sa mga kabatan-unang Surigaonon sa pagpahayg sa ilang tinguha sa kalinaw.

Ang mga organizer sa maong kalihokan dako ug pasalamat sa kooperasyon ug kahiusahan nga gipakita sa tanang misalmot niini diin natapos kini nga mabulukon ug malinawon.

Ang Red Mountain Cycling Club uban ang Bikers sa Surigao City nga maoy nagdumala sa maong okasyon, dako ug pasalamat sa paghatag ni Gov. Barbers ug igong pagtagad sa ilang mga paninguha nga makahatag ug dakong bili sa katilingban gikan sa sector sa mga kabatan-onan aron sa pagkab-ot sa tinuoray nga kalamboan.

Gidugang pa sa taga Red Mountain Cycling Club nga dako ang ilang gipakita nga kadasig ug panagtinambayayungay tungod kay ila usab nakita ang sinsiridad ug hugot gayud ang suporta nga gihatag kanila ni Gov. Ace Barbers.

Sa Open Category, nakuha ni Johnny Dangitio ang unang ganti nga P2,500.00, ug Levy Aceron 2nd-2,000.00, Ronnie Ecin 3rd-1,500.00 ug Edgar Napana 4th -1,000.00.

Sa Touring A Category, nakuha ni Rickson Birao ang unang ganti nga P2,500.00, ug Tirso Balbada 2nd-2,000.00, Rico Rick Antonio 3rd-1,500.00 ug Ronald Linaza 4th-1,000.00.

Sa Touring B Category, nakuha usab ni Krister Johnsson, nga mao ang giila nga usa ka Swedish National, ang unang ganti nga P2,000.00, ug Pepito Cuasim 2nd-1,500 ug Danny Woynay 3rd-1,000.00.

Adunay usab category para sa dose anyos paubos. Ug nakuha ni Aldrin Senogoya, 12 anyos nga taga Mainit, Surigao del Norte, ang unang ganti nga P1,500.00, ug Paul Joseph U. Dela Cruz, 11 anyos 2nd-P1,000.00. (PGO-Media Bureau)


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The first of the four storms expected to enter the Philippines in the last two months of 2008 have been spotted by weather bureau PAGASA near Surigao City on Thursday morning.

PAGASA said Tropical Depression Quinta was located 40 kilometers northeast of Surigao City. It was packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour and was moving west at 19 kph.

Public storm signal No. 1 has been hoisted over Masbate, Romblon, Camiguin, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Western Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz, Antique, Guimaras Island, Cuyo Island, Surigao del Norte, Siargao Island and Dinagat Island.

PAGASA expects the storm to move southwest of Iloilo City on Friday morning and to Puerto Princesa on Saturday.

Nathaniel Cruz, the weather bureau's chief forecaster, had told radio dzMM that PAGASA is expecting four more storms to enter the country before the year ends.

Cruz had said that the storms will enter the country starting November. (abs-cbnnews.com)
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The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on Thursday morning raised public storm warning signal no. 1 in several areas in the country after a low-pressure area earlier spotted east of Mindanao strengthened into a tropical depression.

In its 8:15 a.m. weather bulletin, Pagasa said tropical depression "Quinta" packs maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center and declared the following areas under Signal No. 1:

Luzon

• Masbate, and
• Romblon

Visayas

• Camiguin,
• Biliran,
• Eastern Samar,
• Western Samar,
• Leyte,
• Southern Leyte,
• Bohol,
• Cebu,
• Negros Oriental,
• Negros Occidental,
• Iloilo,
• Aklan,
• Capiz,
• Antique,
• Guimaras island, and
• Cuyo island.

Mindanao

• Surigao del Norte, including Siargao and Dinagao islands.

In its weather bulletin, Pagasa said "Quinta" is currently 40 kilometers northeast of Surigao City and is moving west at 19 kilometers per hour, and is expected to be 120 kilometers southwest of Iloilo City by Friday morning.

By Saturday morning, the tropical depression is expected to be 160 kilometers west northwest of Puerto Princesa, Palawan and 570 kilometers northwest of the Puerto Princesa Sunday morning.

Pagasa said the tropical depression may cause rice in flowering stage to suffer significant damage. Damages are also expected on houses made from light materials and banana plantations in affected aresa.

Pagasa also said sea travel for small seacrafts and fishing boats is risky due to the weather disturbance. -(Johanna Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV)
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Gipaningkamutan sa Provincial Health Office pinaagi kang Doc Audie Relliquette nga ang kalidad nga serbisyo nga programa ni Gov. Barbers sa maayong panglawas kanunayng mahatag sa mga katawhan.

Nagpadayon ang mga medical consultations, dental ug laboratory services diha sa PHO Clinic ug laboratory, diin ubay-ubay sa atong mga kaigsuonang Surigaonon ang nakapahimulos niini.

Sa milabay nga semana, Oktubre 28 ug 29, 2008 mihimo ug usa ka Information, Education Campaign ug adbokasiya kabahin na sa mga Case Finding ug Malacological Survey para sa Schistosomiasis Program, diin 417 ka mga kliyente ang naalagaran niini didto sa San Isidro, Gigaquit ning lalawigan. Ang maong panirbisyo inabagan usab sa Provincial Health Team diin gihatagan ug mga pagpangtambal ang tanang may positibo ang resulta.

Sa laing bahin, nagmalampuson usab ang gihimong Area Health Board Meeting niadtong Oktubre 31, 2008 sa Cabuntog Beach Resort sa General Luna, diin naapud-apud sa matag munisipyo ang Proporma for Siargao Health Zone MOA alang na sa pag-amenda ug adoption niini. Gikatakda usab ang pagahimuon nga Oath Taking sa Siargao Area Health Zones Officers diin temporaryo kining ikatakda karong Disyembre 12, 2008.

Sa maong tigum, nasayran nga ang paghisgut-hisgut sa 20 ka partisipante nagmabungahon kabahin na sa mga isyus ug mga kakulangon nga ilang angayng sulbaron kabahin na sa maayong panlawas aron mahilakip kini sa pagahimuon nga Provincewide Implementation Plan for Health. Dako ang pasalamat ni Gov. Barbers sa gipakita usab nga kakugi sa tanang mga health personnel sa PHO ug mga health workers sa mga kalungsuran labi na gyud ang mga way puas nga serbisyo sa mga doctor sa mga district hospitals sa tibuok probisnya. (PGO-Media Bureau)

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Church social action officials blamed environmental destruction for worsening and "dehumanizing" poverty and hunger in Mindanao at a recent general assembly in Surigao.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines website also said there is worsening food security brought about by landlessness and development aggression.

Participants also pinpointed as the cause of such a situation land use conversion, poor governance, ongoing mining, logging, mono-cropping and irreversible destruction of the environment as the further marginalization and displacement of communities, especially the indigenous peoples.

Attending the two-day meet were Bishops Nereo Odchimar (Tandag, Surigao del Sur), Juan De Dios Pueblos (Butuan), Antonieto Cabajog (Surigao del Norte), Dinualdo Gutierrez (Marbel, South Cotabato) and Patricio Alo (Mati, Davao Oriental).

The Social Action directors and the five prelates denounced what they described as "insatiable greed and corruption prevail in levels of governance which drives to excessive violation of human rights" which they said "obstructs the pursuit of the common good, genuine development and peace."

Also, the participants affirmed their commitment to "liberating poverty rooted in Gospel values, which upholds simplicity of lifestyle, responsible stewardship of God's creation, solidarity, integrity and complete trust in Divine Providence."

They also called for the "conscientious and progressive destruction of sinful social structures, advocacy for the equitable distribution of land, the active implementation and support of the sustainable agriculture program, protection and preservation of watersheds, immediate cancellation of mining permits, and disapproval of mining applications, promotion of IP rights, strengthening of the Bishops-Ulamas Conference and diocesan-led dialogues for peace in the BECs and with other faiths, and active participation in effective electoral reforms."

The participants urged the government to pursue "effective mechanisms" for attaining lasting peace" as they vowed continued support for the on-going peace process within the region based on "justice, transparency and accountability, development and respect for self-determination of the tri-peoples." (GMANews.TV)
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On Saturday (November 1) at 4:50 in the afternoon inside the cockpit at Barangay Ladragon, Claver, Surigao del Norte, elements of Claver Municipal Police Station led by PO3 Mateo arrested the suspect-listed number 6 most wanted person in Claver, SDN identified as Edgar Andoy, of legal age, married and a resident of Sitio Tayahong, Barangay Lagragon, Claver, Surigao del Norte by virtue of warrant of arrest (WOA) for frustrated murder under criminal case number 6015 issued by Judge Floripinas Buyser, Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 30, Surigao City with recommended bailbond of P150,000.00.Arrested person is now detained at Claver MPS for proper disposition.

Meanwhile, on November 2, 200 at 2:00 in the afternoon at the Public Cemetery, Barangay Hubang, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, a certain Ernesto Comonong Jr, 33 years old, married, farmer and resident of Purok 4, Barangay Hubang of said place was arrested by PNP elements of San Francisco Municipal Police Station led by SPO1 Manuel Aleonar by virtue of WOA issued by hon Judge Ricardo Mosquera of MCTC San Francisco, Agusan del Sur for the crime of theft, docketed under CC number 07-CR-4153 with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 8,000.00. Arrested person is now under the custody of San Francisco Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. (PNP-PRO-13)

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Surigao City, Surigao del Norte - The City and Provincial Government of Surigao, and the Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry will be hosting this year’s 14th CARAGA BUSINESS CONFERENCE on November 28, 2008 at Hotel Tavern Surigao, Surigao City. The said gathering will bring together the business executives, political leaders and decision makers, and Philippine Chamber of Commerce officers in a day of unity for all Caraganons.

This year’s theme, “Uniting Caraga in These Testing Times”, fosters a challenge to both the public and private sector to enjoin efforts in advancing partnerships in the region during an impending economic crisis in 2009. Main topics are resolving tax-related issues with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and cementing relationships with local government units and their counterpart business community.

Johann Jake B. Miranda, President of the SCCI, said the region-wide business conference normally held before the national Philippine Business Conference in Manila was fittingly held this time in November since the nation is facing a wave of economic crisis in 2009. Appropriately, the highlights of the just concluded 34th Philippine Business Conference (PBC) held last October 20-22, 2008 in Manila, will be disseminated to the conference participants.

To ensure participation from the local government units, the conference organizers sought the assistance of DILG Secretary Ronaldo V. Puno to urge local government officials to join in this undertaking as public-private partnerships will be forged and sealed with a Memorandum of Understanding between each LGU and its corresponding business community.

After this one day conference, participants will visit Dinagat Island the next day for a tour of San Jose, its municipal capital, to showcase the tourism potentials and investment opportunities of the province.

Caraga is composed of the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur and the newly-created province of Dinagat Islands. The cities of Butuan, Surigao, Bislig, Cabadbaran, Bayugan and the municipalities of Cantilan, Bayugan, Prosperidad, San Francisco and San Jose will be represented by their local officials and business chambers.

According to the National Statistical Coordinating Board (NSCB), Caraga belongs to the poorest of the poor regions and it’s economy still lags behind those of other regions. Caraga is largely dependent on logging and mining operations. (Surigao CCI)

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Police Chief Superintendent Jaime Eloreta Milla, Regional Director, Police Regional Office 13 commended his officers and men for the peaceful and meaningful celebration of All Saints' and All Souls' Day in November 1-2 this year.

General Milla also emphasized the strong cooperation between the local government units, CVOs, Barangay Tanods, Traffic Aides and non-government organizations that helped immensely the police in curbing criminality and managing internal security threats during the two day national celebration.

In preparation for the Undas, PRO 13 had adopted several measures to ensure public safety and orderliness. They put up "Police Assistance Centers" in cemeteries, planed traffic rerouting in congested areas and placed traffic personnel therein, secured strategic locations such as ports, airports and bus terminals as well as business establishments and resorts where people go after visiting their departed love ones.

For their part, the local government units augmented the police personnel with their civil security units, traffic aides and barangay tanods. Non-government organizations provided water stations, directory assistance and medical support in some areas.

General Milla notes that "the just concluded Undas shows that if the community and the police work together…cooperate with one another… synergize their actions… peace and order is easily achieved." After this he looks forward to more cooperative endeavors with the local government units and non-government organizations in making Caraga a safe region ideal for sustainable development and economic growth. (PNP-PRO-13/PIA-Caraga)
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The Department of Agriculture RFU 13 together with its LGU counterparts and attached agencies once again celebrated World Food Week last October 20-24 with this year's theme "World Food Security: The Challenges of Climate Change and Bio-energy.

The week-long celebration opened with a Fun Walk on the 20th at 6:30 in the morning and was then followed by a mass and an opening program. DA RFU-13 Regional Executive Director Ricardo C. Regis in his message challenged all the participants which include the agricultural workers, DA employees and its attached agencies to have enthusiasm in their work so that the agriculture sector can move towards development faster.

On the other hand, keynote speaker Lyndo G. Villacorta, DOST Regional Director said that the right to food is a right of every Filipino but that there are a number of elements that pose a threat to this right, one of which is climate change. He added that climate has always played a decisive role in Agriculture, it can either boost production or it can be destructive. So it is left in the hands of the people to join hands and work together and not allow the Filipinos to go hungry.

The employees took part in several activities including games like basketball, volleyball, table tennis, dart and chess. There were also cultural games and a Musical / Dance Extravaganza.

The participants were grouped into eight teams. Team Buhawi was made up of DA-RFU 13 employees. Team La Niña was composed of NIA, NFA and QUEDANCOR. Team Habagat composed the BFAR, NMIS and PCA while team Amihan comprised LGU- Surigao del Norte and Surigao City. Team El Niño was composed of ATI, PhilRice, BAS, and FIDA while Tandag, Surigao del Sur and Bislig made up the team Solar Storm. Team Tsunami was composed of Cabadbaran, Butuan City and Agusan del Norte employees. And lastly, Floods team was made up of Bayugan City and Agusan del Sur employees.

Another highlight of the World Food Week this year was the conduct of the first Agricultural Extension Workers Congress which was held at the Balanghai Hotel with some 800 extension workers attending the activity. Representatives for the different banner programs of the Department of Agriculture gave updates and the participants were also given time to ask questions. Former Agriculture Secretary Salvador H. Escudero also graced the affair as the keynote speaker.

The World Food Week ended with an Awarding Ceremony, during which another former secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Domingo F. Panganiban, now NAPC Lead Convenor graced the affair and gave a message. He said that seven (7) out of ten (10) provinces identified by the National Census and Statistics Board are poor provinces and are located in Mindanao. He said that the challenge in terms of food production lies most in the hands of the agricultural workers. He also said that the week-long celebration gave the participants a chance to unwind not only to be mentally proficient but also physically capable in tackling their tasks.

The over-all champion of this year's WF celebration was team Solar Storm (Surigao del Sur delegation), while teams Floods (Agusan del Sur) and Tsunami (Agusan del Norte /Butuan City) came in 2nd and 3rd respectively. Team Floods also bagged the award for being the biggest delegation. (DA-13/PIA-Caraga)
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Mapagarbuhon ang mga inmates sa Provincial Jail sa gihatag ni Gov. Ace Barbers nga proyekto diin maoy pinakauna kini sa tibuok nasud matud pa sa Regional Director sa DOST nga si Dir. Lyndo Villacorta.

Atol sa pag-inagurar sa MRF o ang Material Recovery Facility ni Gov. Barbers dili palang dugay sa Provincial Jail, gipahayag sa OIC sa PEMO, Antonieto Charcos nga mas mapuslanon pa ang maong proyekto ug angay nga ipasigarbo kumpara sa “dancing inmates” sa Sugbo nga misikat sa youtube, tungod kay ang atong mga inmates nga gitawag ug mga “ECO BOYS” nagtabang man dili lamang sa ilang mga kaugalingon, kundi pati usab sa tibuok katilingban, nasud ug gani pa sa tibuok kalibutan tungod sa pagsanong niini batok sa Global Warming.

Daghan usab ang nakadayeg sa maong inisyatibo ni Gov. Barbers tungod kay matud pa sa dugang pahayag ni Dir. Villacorta nga mamahimo kini nga modelo sa ubang mga probinsya sa nasud tungod ky pinakauna kini nga programa sa Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) nga nakabase sa mga binilanggo ug nahimo silang produktibo.

Dako gayud ang kalipay sa mga binilanggo tungod kay gipasaligan sila sa maalagarong Gobernador Barbers nga walay problema sa pagbaligya sa tanan nilang abot tungod kay gipangandam na daan kini niya pinaagi sa Provincial Agriculture Office ug uban pang mga pribadong negosyante sa tibuok probinsya. (PGO-Media Bureau)

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The widest banking network in Mindanao is set to open five new branches and activate 30 ATM machines next year in selected areas of the island.

One Network Bank (ONB) president Alex V. Buenaventura said they want to grow with Mindanao and will continue to expand in the next five years.

He said early next year, ONB is set to open five more new branches, making its total branch network to 75.

The new branches will be established in Gingoog in Misamis Oriental, Sindangan in Zamboanga del Norte, Ozamis City, Surigao City and Dipolog City.

"Our continued opening of new branches within the 35 identified growth areas is in line with our goal of saturating Mindanao," he said.

Buenaventura said these growth centers are either "unbanked" or "underbanked" and at the rate they are going indicates that the bank is in full swing to achieve its goal.

The bank is also bullish in activating at least 30 ATMs next year which will increase the number of its ATM fleet to more than a hundred machines all over the island, he said. (PNA)
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The whole day of October 18, 2008 was the first surgical mission sponsored by Congressman Guillermo A. Romarate, Jr. to the constituents in cooperation of the Local Government Unit of Alegria, Surigao del Norte headed by Hon. Mayor Dominador G. Esma, Jr. Said activity was also attended by Municipal Officials, Barangay Officials, BHW volunteers, employees of the Municipal Health Office and other local offices during the occasion.

The said mission was personally attended by Honorable Congressman Romarate with surgical mission doctors like Dr. Uldarico S. Uriarte, Dr. Eunice R. Uriarte and Dr. Michael Ian R. Uriarte who gave their full support to the medical outreach program of the congressman.

On that day, there were 104 families coming from different barangays of the municipality who registered and availed the medical mission. Medicines were provided to those who have sickness and 14 persons received circumcision and cyst operations. There are still patients who are in need of those services and no less than the Congressman himself promised to have this kind of medical program to be scheduled regularly seeing the demand of the people in his second congressional district of the Province of Surigao del Norte. (Edipolo A. Mosquito, Jr., MPDC-LGU Alegria)
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Surigao City Vice Mayor Rico Sering said that they are serious in eliminating illiteracy in their area and added that they are allocating P12-M for the local school board for the salaries of teachers in the city, He said this during the 2008 Regional Literacy Awards held in one of the local convention centers in Butuan City. (PIA-Caraga)

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Winners of the 2008 Search for Model Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Family of the Year Award (MOFYA) were finally revealed in a simple yet meaningful awarding ceremony held Wednesday, October 29, 2008 in one of the local convention centers here, graced by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Dir. Albert Q. Valenciano of the Administrative and Finance Management Office.

Two regional winners were given recognition in the fields of land-based and sea-based. The family of Mr. Cipriano and Mrs. Angelina Desamparado of Talisay, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte was chosen from among the three nominees in the Land-based category.

In the Sea-based category, the family of Engr. Samuel and Mrs. Dominica Micompal of Poblacion, Alegria, Surigao del Norte won over the other five nominees.

The winners were awarded cash prize of P20,000.00 each from Globe Telecommunications represented by Mr. Alan Gilbuena, Butuan City Branch Manager. Also, Western Union-Butuan Branch gave P5,000.00 to the two winners and were presented by the Assistant Branch Manager, Jenevene Pomera. The two are also members of the board of judges.

Meanwhile, Dir. Valenciano, together with OWWA-Caraga Regional Director Petrona Bergado, DOLE Asst. Regional Director Romeo Cagas who is also the chairman of the board of judges awarded the Plaque of Recognition to all the nominees and the two winners.

Nominees in the Land-Based category are the families of Mr. and Mrs. Winfred Bernal of Panaytayon, RTR, Agusan del Norte; Engr. and Mrs. Raul Estrada of Trianggulo, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte; and Mr. and Mrs. Mateo Saagundo of Pareja Subdivision, Brgy. Bayanihan, Butuan City.

In the Sea-based category, other nominees are the families of Chief Mate and Mrs. Francisco Aguirre of Brgy. J.P. Rizal St., Nasipit, Agusan del Norte; Mr. and Mrs. Allan Hermoso of Bayview Hill, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte; Engr. and Mrs. Carlos Lobite, Sr. of Talisay, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte; Chief Mate and Mrs. Arturo Nietes of Guingona Subdivision, Butuan City; and Capt. and Dr. Cipriano Torrentira of Greenhomes, Km. 3, Brgy. Luna in Surigao City.

Other members of the board of judges are Engr. Salvador Jayoma, representing the Sea-based sector; Engr. Roderico Cane of the Land-based sector; Jenevene Pomera, Assistant Branch Manager of Western Union-Butuan Branch; and Alfredo Davalos, Jr. of the Butuan City Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The two regional winners will be the official nominees of Caraga Region in the national Search for MOFYA 2008 that will take place on November in Metro Manila, where a cash prize of P600,000.00 is at stake for the winners both in the land-based and sea-based category with Globe giving P500,000.00 and Western Union to give P100,000.00.

Special awards were also given to Chief Mate Arturo Nietes as Outstanding Entrepreneur while Engr. Samuel Micompal is this year’s recipient in the Outstanding Community-based project award. Each received Plaque of Recognition from Dir. Valenciano, Dir. Bergado and Dir. Mantilla.

The 2008 Search for MOFYA is supported by Globe Telecommunications, Western Union, Banco de Oro, Philam Life, and the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI).
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