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The Surigao Treasure

CHRP celebrates 22nd anniversary

Butuan City (5 May) --

The Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines (CHRP) celebrates its 22nd Foundation Day today, May 5. The then President Corazon C. Aquino signed Executive Order No. 163 on May 5, 1987 which gave birth to the CHRP. CHRP Caraga Region was opened on October 24, 1996. Since then, it has shared in performing the Commission's mandate of protecting and promoting human rights thru investigation of complaints for human rights violations, legal aid and counseling, visitorial services over jails and detention centers, monitoring of cases, financial assistance, education and information services.

With a very limited personnel complement, CHRP Caraga Region built and tapped alliances with other government organizations, non-government organizations and civil society organizations to enhance protection and promotion of human rights. Among others, the following are accomplishments and activities undertaken:

1. Regular conduct of human rights orientations, lectures, seminars and trainings upon PNP officers, military and CAFGUs as well as education, information and training on human rights for government officials and employees and the general public;

2. Investigation of human rights violations, legal aid and counseling, regular jail visitations and other human rights protection services;

3. Integrated the rights based approach to development (RBAD) in the Barangay Development Plan (BDP) of Butuan City thru development of tools and participated in writing the Barangay Development Planning Manual;

4. Organized the Internally Displaced Persons Caraga LINK or IDP Caraga LINK which is CHRs arm in responding to and monitoring adverse situations causing or affecting internal displacements in the Caraga region;

5. Implemented the Human Rights Community Development Project jointly undertaken by the members of the CHRP and the New Zealand Human Rights Commission to the Higaonon tribe in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur; and

6. Attendance to meetings of inter-agency committees to which it is a member and participation in activities jointly undertaken.

CHRP Caraga personnel are confident that the proposed organizational structure of the regional office will be approved and implemented during the term of the Fourth Commission. This will pave the way for employing additional personnel to carry out the mandate of CHR in Caraga region. (CHR-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Feature: May 1 a double-day celebration for Butuanons

by Jocelyn Morano
Butuan City (5 May) -- May 1 is always a special day for Butuanons as it signals the month long fiesta celebration of the city with so many activities to look forward to. This year, it was an extra-ordinary celebration as the Department of Labor and Employment conducted a nationwide Jobs Fair dubbed as Jobapalooza.

While employees, local officials and onlookers watched the colourful flags, balloons and shirts of those who participated Balangay (pronounced as ba-lang-ha-y) Festival that jumps off with a motorcade around the city followed by a program at the Rizal Park, those seeking for work trooped at Luciana Convention Center hoping that they will be hired on the spot and assured of a bright future amidst the current global economic crisis.

During the Jobapalooza, 38 individuals were hired on the spot by local companies, while 25 applicants were hired for job overseas. According to DOLE-Regional Director Chona Mantilla their records showed, as of 3 o’clock in the afternoon there were more than 1,500 job seekers underwent interviews with 5 overseas recruitment agencies, and 11 local companies.

Simultaneous with the holding of the Jobs Fair during the "Jobapalooza Activity" is the Promo Diskwento, Medical Services that includes free bloodletting Blood Glucose Test, livelihood fair, a one-stop-shop processing by Nerbac-Caraga, DFA, NSO, NBI, SSS, Philhealth, Pag-Ibig , while TESDA, RTWPB, OWWA and NLRC personnel sets up their own booth to offer services.

Meanhile, although DOLE Caraga already announced that there will be no wage increase for workers, Mayor Democrito D. Plaza II in his speech during the opening of the Balangay Festival said, city hall employees will soon be receiving a 3-thousand cash bonus to give due recognition of their work performance.

The Mayor likewise urged private companies to emulate the giving of cash incentives to motivate employees aimed to increase production and achieve a better economy. On May 1, the 1st Daisy B. Plaza garden show also opens as part of the Balangay Festival activities. Other events to watch out for in May are the following: Trade and carnival fair, 7th Badminton Challenge, Mutya Hong Butuan Presentation and Coronation Night, Hotshots '09 All Star Celebrity Basketball Caravan, Report to the City Mayor, 6th Mayor’s and 3rd Congressional Inter Caraga Motorcross Competition and many more. (dxBN-Radyo ng Bayan Butuan/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga police revitalize commitment to PNP badge

by PCI Nelly Tabornal Villagarcia
Butuan City (5 May) -- Policemen of the region revitalize commitment to the PNP Badge and dedication to God, Country and People, through Oratorical Contest held in PRO 13 grandstand, Libertad, Butuan City. The contest started following the traditional Monday Flag Raising Ceremony of PRO 13. Contestants from Police Provincial Offices in the region gave their best in the said event to surely cascade to comrades the significance of PNP Badge.

PO1 Fritz Richter L. Lesiguez of Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office won in the said event, while PO2 Jenniefer S. Ometer of Agusan del Norte PPO and PO2 Yhldie G. Felix got the second and third place prespectively. PSSUPT Samuel Mahusay Yordan, Chief Regional Directorial Staff Chaired the Board of Judges and give cash incentives to the winners. Excerpts of the oration as follows:

"The PNP badge pinned on our left breast is the symbol of that legal authority. It is placed, nearer to our heart, to remind us of the fidelity and dedication to duty expected from us as a public servant. We have been entrusted with the badge as a symbol of our worthiness as police officer to serve and protect the people from whom we derived the power and authority to enforce the laws of the land without fear or favor. We are to oversee the general welfare of the people and ensure that peace and order is maintained at all times. We shall ever be mindful that the police are the protector of the weak, defender of the innocent and advocate of human rights. At the center of our badge is the PNP seal held bravely by our hero, Lapu-Lapu, the first Filipino to defend our country against foreign invaders despite being inferiorly equipped.

"Inside the seal are the virtues of service, honor and justice. They remind us to always render the highest form of public service for our fellowmen, we are to serve the citizenry with the commitment of sacrifice and willingness to die in the service of God, country and people. Duty and honor now bind us to be faithful to the trust bestowed upon us by the people. Our badge reminds us to maintain the dignity of our character at all times and to strenuously enforce by example, a steady obedience to the laws of the land. Exemplary conduct on our part will convince our people that we merit the just title an authority as we patrol the street and walk our daily beat.

"Walk tall, head up and bravely face the daily dangers of duty keep the badge unsullied and free of any breach of fidelity. By the regularity of our conduct, always endeavor to avoid any aspersion against our institution. We are to preserve our cherished customs and traditions and never countenance any deviation from them now allow them to be infringed. Our dignity as police officer symbolized by the badge is now pinned on our hearth, never swerve from our solemn oath of office, violate our vows or betray the public trust. We are officer….. wear our badge with honor."

The other week, Caraga Police Director PCSUPT Jaime Eloreta Milla, CEO VI led members of the PNP Command Group and Directorial Staff in the historic Badge of Honor Ceremony in Camp Rafael Rodriguez, PRO 13, Libertad, Butuan City administered by NAPOLCOM Caraga Regional Director Atty. Homer Mariano Cabaral. The Policemen of the region renewed their pledge of service in a historic ceremony that aims to revitalize commitment to the PNP Badge.

In his message, RD MIilla reminded Policemen that "the police badge is a visible symbol of service, and symbolic instrument of public faith--and not a symbol of authority as some have usually thought." "The PNP Badge perpetuates the remarkable deeds of our peace officers and brought to the open the undeniable importance of the heroic acts of the men and women in uniform who made a positive difference in the lives of others which the young could emulate and the public may appreciate," adding that every police officer who wears the Badge will have a deep sense of gratitude and honor because, truly, not everyone is given that privilege to serve and protect. The police officers vowed as they took their respective Oath during the Badge of Honor Ceremony.

Similar Badge of Honor ceremonies for police personnel in the lower ranks were made until all police personnel down the line have renewed their pledge of service. The Badge of Honor Ceremony is in line with the PNP Integrated Transformation Program. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

DTI Caraga to intensify bayong development project

by Jocelyn Morano

Butuan City (7 May) -- The Department of Trade & Industry Regional Office strengthened its campaign to educate consumers to use 'bayong' instead of a plastic bag. DTI Regional Director Brielgo Pagaran said, the Bayong Development Project is one of the components of the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program, the project sees the bayong as the focus of a sustainable livelihood program with the two-fold benefit of boosting the economy and diminishing ecological imbalance.

Caraga region will intensify the advocacy to use bayong as an alternative to plastic shopping bags, in an effort of emphasizing to consumers the need to conserve and protect the environment, at the same time play a beneficial role in the protecting ones health from the hazards of plastics.

According to DTI Regional Director Pagaran, communities will undergo trainings on bayong weaving which is not new to many especially women organizations in the countryside of the region, as this is part of the cultural heritage and raw materials are in abundance like pandan leaves, buri and abaca. (dxBN-Radyo ng Bayan Butuan/PIA-Caraga)

DOH Caraga intensifies campaign vs new swine flu virus

by Lovely Laudette D. Gamba

Butuan City (7 May) -- Following the swine flu pandemic scare affecting US, Mexico, Europe and other Asian countries, the Department of Health Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga intensifies information campaign on the new human flu H1N1 virus. Recently, DOH Caraga calls for a press conference here, this city to update the tri-media and the Caraganons on the swine flu status in the country. As of press time, there are no recorded cases of swine flu or H1N1 virus in the country. Nonetheless, DOH Caraga left nothing to chance as it step up its campaign against swine flu or H1N1 virus.

Part of DOH Caraga's intensified information campaign is a weekly press conference on the swine flu or H1N1 virus. Every now and then, the department will also issue updates regarding the status of the virus so as to prevent panic among the public. The new human flu H1N1 virus is caused by a new virus that resulted from the reassortment of 4 viruses from pigs, human and birds. There is no vaccine yet to protect humans from this virus but there are existing and recommended medicines that are effective in treating these viruses. The signs and symptoms of the virus is similar to that of the regular flu, such as fever, headache, fatigue, muscle or joint pains, lack of appetite, runny nose, sore throat, cough, vomiting or nausea, and diarrhea.

The virus can be transmitted through exposure to droplets from the cough and sneeze of the infected person. It is not transmitted by eating thoroughly cooked food. The new virus is contagious however it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people. You can protect yourself from the virus through simple hygiene, such as covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap or you may use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Also avoid close contact with sick people. You can also protect yourself by increasing your body's resistance by having at least 8 hours of sleep, being physically active, managing your stress, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious food.

If there is a sick person at home, immediately bring the sick person to a doctor. Provide a separate room in the house, if this is not possible, keep the patient at least 1 meter away from other family members. Use surgical mask when caring for the sick person. Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly after each contact with the sick person. Have proper ventilation where the sick person stays and keep the environment clean. (PIA-Caraga)

Fisherman takes over as new BFAR Caraga regional director

by Lovely Laudette Gamba

Butuan City (8 May) -- It's official. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Caraga now has a new Regional Director. He is Mr. Isidro Pamonag, a fisherman from Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.

The new Regional Director of BFAR was officially installed into office during the opening ceremony of the "Farmer's and Fisherfolk Month" celebration in one of the convention centers here, recently.

On the said ceremony, BFAR Caraga Regional Director together with Mr. Rogelio Nagas, Fisherfolk Regional Representative of Caraga turns over the directorship responsibility to Mr. Isidro Pamonag.

The installation of Mr. Isidro Pamonag as a new Regional Director of BFAR is part of the department's implementation of the Fisherfolk Directorship Program. The program aims to impart to the farmers and fisherfolk their importance and major contribution to the fisheries sector as well as to the country's economy.

For the whole month of May, Mr. Isidro Pamonag will be the Regional Director of BFAR. He will occupy the office of the Regional Director and will implement the programs and projects of the department. (PIA-Caraga)

BFAR clears Capiz, Neg Occ. waters from toxic ‘Red Tide’

By Florence F. Hibionada

Shellfish ban remains in six coastal areas

Shellfish ban may still be in effect in six major bays and coastal areas of the country yet Western Visayas region have nothing to fear.

This, as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in a latest online advisory cleared coastal waters here as free from the toxic “Red Tide.”

A welcome development and good news for the region particularly for the Province of Capiz with Roxas town here dubbed as the seafood capital. Negros Occidental coastline is also one of the richest sources of fish and shellfish resources throughout Western Visayas and nearby regions. “Red Tide” is a coastal phenomenon marked by discoloration of water due to concentration of algae. The BFAR said safe still and Red Tide-free are surrounding areas and coastal waters off Tinagong Dagat in President Roxas and Sapian Bay in Capiz and coastal waters of Pontevedra, in Negros Occidental.

As such, locals may harvest, eat, buy and sell mussels, clams, scallops, oysters, fish, squid, crab and shrimp here. What is not safe are shellfish coming from Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga Del Sur, Juag Lagoon in Matnog and Sorsogon Bay in Sorsogon. Also not safe are shellfish coming from the coastal waters off Milagros in Masbate, Bislig Bay in Bislig City and Surigao Del Sur. In said prohibited areas, latest laboratory results confirmed the presence of toxic “Red Tide.” “All types of shellfish and Acetes specie or Alamang gathered from the above banned areas are NOT SAFE for human consumption. Fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking,” the BFAR in said advisory stated.

The rest of the safe coastal waters are that of Cavite, Las Piñas, Parañaque, Navotas, Bulacan and Bataan in Manila Bay. Coastal waters of Alaminos, Anda, Bolinao and Wawa, Bani in Pangasinan, Mansiloc Bay in Zambales and coastal waters of Mandaon in Masbate. Also in the “safe-list” are Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa City, Inner Malampaya Sound in Taytay and El Nido, Palawan, Irong-irong, Maqueda and Villareal Bays in Samar; Ormoc, San Pedro, Cancabato and Carigara Bays in Leyte.

Safe too are the Biliran Waters in Biliran Province, Hinatuan, Lianga and Bislig Bays in Surigao del Sur, Taguines Lagoon in Camiguin Island, Balite Bay in Mati, Davao Oriental and coastal waters of Kabasalan in Sibuguey Bay, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The Caraga

Caraga is an administrative region of the Philippines, on the northeastern portion of the island of Mindanao. It is the newest region in the Philippines, and is also called Region XIII. The Caraga Region was created through Republic Act No. 7901 on February 25, 1995. The region is composed of five (5) provinces: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur; five (5) cities: Butuan, Surigao and Bislig; seventy (70) municipalities and 1,346 barangays. Butuan City is the regional center.

History

The history of Caraga can be traced back to the 15th century when explorers discovered the existence of "Kalagans", believed to be of Visayan Origin in one of the three districts in Mindanao. The word Caraga originated from the Visayan word Kalagan: kalag meaning soul or people, and a meaning land. The Kalagans have a long history of being brave and fearless. Thus, the region was called by early chroniclers as the "Land of the Brave and Fierce People".

The "Kalagans", called "Caragans" by the Spaniards, occupied the district composed of the two provinces of Surigao, the northern part of Davao Oriental and eastern Misamis Oriental. The two Agusan Provinces were later organized under the administrative jurisdiction of Surigao and became the independent Agusan province in 1914. In 1960, Surigao was divided into Norte and Sur, and in June 1967, Agusan followed suit. While Butuan then was just a town of Agusan, the logging boom in the 1950s drew business to the area. On August 2, 1950, by virtue of Republic Act 523, the City Charter of Butuan was approved.

The etymology of the word "Caraga" is said to have originated from the native word "Kalag" which means "spirit of soul". Hence, the whole Provincia de Caraga of AD 1622 was called "region de gente animosa", that is "region of spirited men". This being "spirited men and women" is grounded on its cultural, religious and political background. With culture, Caragans were spirited in view of their closeness to nature and attitude towards the creation.

With religiosity, Caragans were spirited as to their belief on the spirits of nature (like the trees "balete tree", the rivers and mountains, sun and moon); in fact , they have "anito worship" and "ancestor worship" led by the dancing priestess [balyan] and the singing priestess [catalunan]. With primitive politics, Caragans were spirited as they invited a "bagani system" of governance. A "bagani" is like a "warrior" kinglet or datu" who ruled by banditry and by occupation. They fight to end their capacity even chasing an enemy up until the bosom of the oceans and middle of the seas.

source: www.wikipidia.org