PIA NEWS 9/9/09

PNP Caraga recovers stolen items

By PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania; PO3 Philip Amer Posas Mazo
Butuan City (9 September) -- On September 26, 2009 at about 6:00 in the morning at New Bataan Police Station, PNP elements of Theft and Robbery Unit of Butuan City Police Office (TRU BCPO) led by SPO3 Anthony Gomez, SPO1 Wilson Ejos Jr, SPO1 Jay Calo and PO3 Neil Egay conducted follow-up investigation on a reported robbery incident that transpired on August 28, 2009 at 7:53 in the morning.
Victimized was Unicity, Butuan City Branch wherein perpetrator gained entrance by destroying the ceiling of the Manager's Office and took cash money amounting to more or less Php 400,000.00 in different denominations and assorted jewelries worth Php 200,00.00.
The suspect was identified as one Vivencio Intino Cinco, 18 years old, residence of Fatima, New Bataan, Comval Province. As a result, the suspect accompanied by his father Vivencio Cinco Sr voluntarily surrendered to the elements of TRU BCPO and turned over cash money amounting to Php 4,000.00, assorted fancy jewelries, one unit Nokia 3120 cellphone and one maong pants.
Suspect was brought to Butuan City Police Office for further investigation while appropriate case is being prepared for filing in court.
Report on robbery incident
On September 4, 2009 around 10:45 in the morning, the People's Bank of Cabadbaran at FC Dagani St., Barangay 5, Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte was robbed by three unidentified suspects. The robbers armed with caliber .45 pistols were wearing helmet and bonnet who gained entry at the main door of said establishment and at gun point disarmed the security guard on duty of his issued .38 caliber revolver and declared the hold-up.
Suspects took away cash money worth Php 201,426.96 from the small portable vault. Said establishment was a satellite office of Peoples Bank of Caraga which deals on the loan, collection and disbursement point as Micro-Financing Center.
Suspects fled to unknown direction on board a blue Honda XRM and a Yamaha DT motorcycles. Suspects were wearing white t-shirts and one has black jacket during the incident.
A SOCO Team conducted on scene investigation and PNP elements of Cabadbaran Municipal Police Station conducted follow-up investigation and pursuit operation for the possible arrest of the suspects. Flash alarm was sent to all PNP units in PRO 13 and checkpoints had been set up for the possible interception and arrest of the suspects.
Recovery of explosive devices
On September 3, 2009 at Sitio Tabon, Barangay Amontay, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte at 4:30 in the m0rning, joint operation conducted by Regional Intelligence (RIO) led by PSUPT Samuel C Nacion and 1401st PPMG led by PSINSP Nelson Nelmida which resulted to the recovery of four dynamite sticks marked with "Superdyn Explosives, 25 MM X 125 grams and manufactured by gulf oil corporation Ltd, Rourkela".
Said dynamites were found buried under a coconut tree. Recovered explosives are now under the custody of PO2 Mike Soberano, EOD personnel of Agusan del Norte PPO for proper disposition.
Investigation is also being undertaken to determine who buried the dynamites and what their purpose are. Progress report to follow.
PNP arrests wanted persons
On September 1, 2009 at 2:00 in the afternoon at Barangay Kahayagan, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, a certain Ricky Hallasco, 28 years old, single, jobless and residents of said place was arrested by PNP elements of Tagbina Municipal Police Station led by PINSP Wilfredo A Templanza by virtue of warrant of arrest (WOA) issued by Hon Judge Hector Salise of RTC Branch 7, Bayugan, Agusan del Sur dated September 9, 2008 for act of lasciviousness docketed under CC no. 2796 with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 36,000.00 and carnapping docketed under CC no. 2803 with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 180,000.00.
Arrested person is now detained at Tagbina Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
Also, on September 2, 2009 at 11:30 in the morning, one Jose Rullyn Podtibedra Anuncio, of legal age, married and resident of Barangay Buntalid, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur was arrested by SPO1 Nilo Tranquilan Bontor, Warrant server of Cantilan Municipal Police Station by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Vicente M Luna Jr of RTC Branch 40, Tandag, Surigao del Sur docketed under CC no. 5322 for violation of RA 9262 with fixed bailbond of Php 12,000.00.
Arrested person was brought to Cantilan Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
On September 3, 2009 around 9:30 in the evening at Purok-2 Barangay Batucan, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, Marlon Erong Olasiman, 23 years old, single, jobless and a resident of the above-mentioned place was arrested by PNP elements of Talacogon Municipal Police Station led by PI Lloyd Mercado by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Dante Luz Viacrusis of RTC branch 6 for the crime of Rape docketed under Criminal Case no. 2483 with no bail bond recommended.
Said person is now under custody of Talacogon Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
On September 4, 2009 around 4:00 PM, joint elements of Dinagat Municipal Police Station led by PI Peter Paul Manatad and Surigao City Police Station conducted a joint operation at Barangay Togbongon, Surigao City which resulted to the arrest of Janice Rosales Delgado of legal age, married and a resident of Barangay Togbongon by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Evangeline Yuipco Bayana of RTC branch 32, 10th Judicial Region, Surigao City dated 4 September 2009.
The case was docketed under CC no. 1199 for Theft with Php 40,000.00 recommended bail bond. Delgado is now temporarily detained at Surigao City Police Station for proper disposition.
Report on illegal logging
PNP personnel of Lianga Municipal Police Station led by PINSP Christian Lipke Rafols II, Chief of Police intercepted one ten wheeler truck loaded with illegally cut sawn lawaan lumbers with an estimated volume of 8,100 Board Feet on September 2, 2009 at 7:30 in the morning at Barangay Anibongan, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.
The truck and lawaan lumbers were brought to Lianga Municipal Police Station for proper disposition and subsequent turn over to CENRO, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.
Report on illegal fishing
On September 1, 2009 at 12:30 in the morning, PNP personnel from Lanuza Municipal Police Station led by PO2 Ronal Kent C Abis conducted seaborne patrol within the municipal waters of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur which resulted to the apprehension of one unit fishing boat owned by Nicolas Copina of Barangay Embarcadero, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur.
The fishing boat actually caught engaged in illegal fishing using fishing gear locally know as "surit-surit". Said boat was manned by Ernesto M Tuyor, 50 years old; Rene R Tuyor, 28 years old and Renan Bucalon, 18 years old.
The Fishing Boat was docked at Barangay Zone 1 of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur while suspects were brought to Lanuza Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
Violation of Art 5, Section 9 of Lanuza Bay Ordinance Number 01, Series of 2004 is being prepared for filing in court.
Initial report on encounter
On September 6, 2009 at 2:00 in the morning, joint team of 26 IB, 23 IB and 402nd Brigade of Philippine Army encountered Communist Terrorists (CTs) believed to be members of FC 34 SMRC at Sitio Cabuga, Barangay Sta Teresa, Loreto, Agusan del Sur.
No reported casualty on the government side while four killed on the enemy side. Firearms recovered from the area were six m16 rifles, one m203, one shotgun, one cal .38 and one garrand rifle. Progress report to follow.
Report on loose firearms
One SSGT Samuel Pangandoyon Locop, member of 36 IB, Phil Army based at Sitio Bingcongan, Barangay Bigaan, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur and designated as team leader of Special Operation Team (SOT) while conducting checkpoint on September 2, 2009 6:00 in the morning at said place apprehended a certain Mateo Nasis Montesa, of legal age, married, resident of Sitio Sta Cruz, Barangay Sanyata, Bislig City, connected with Bislig-Barobo-Hinatuan-Lingig-Tagbina (BIBAHILITA) Organization as deputized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Office.
Subject person while riding a motorcycle flagged down by the checkpoint of SOT personnel and found out in his possession one unit revolver cal .38 paltik with serial no. 590196 with five live ammos.
Upon verification, no pertinent documents he presented. Subject person and confiscated firearm were turned over by the SOT Team to Hinatuan Municipal Police Station on September 3, 2009 at 10:30 in the morning for proper disposition. Progress report to follow. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga) [

Community education program on migration slated in Caraga

by Nora CL Molde

Butuan City (September 17) aga-- In order to assist prospective migrants of Caraga region in making decisions regarding their plan to settle abroad as well as to generate community involvement in migration concerns, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas slated community education program in two provinces of the region.
This year's Commission on Filipinos Overseas community education program/information campaign is set on September 27 to October 4 to the provinces of Agusan del sur and Surigao del Sur.

Team from Manila will be visiting Agusan del Sur particularly in the municipalities of Prosperidad, Bayugan and San Francisco on September 27 to 30, while the areas of Bislig City, municipalities of Hinatuan and Tandag of Surigao del Sur is scheduled on October 1 to 4.
To have a thorough dissemination of information to the communities, the conduct of school symposia on migration, public assemblies, radio interviews and interaction with community members will be done in every area visited.
The activity is an annual undertaking of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas to raise public awareness on various issues concerning migration, intermarriage and existing government policies and programs directed against illegal recruitment, documentation fraud and human trafficking.
The Commission on Filipinos Overseas is an agency under the Office of the President which was established on June 16, 1980 through Batas Pambansa (Republic Act) 79 to strengthen ties with Filipinos overseas and promote their interests in the Philippines and abroad. (PIA-Caraga

Manay-Boston road completion eyed by December

By Mai Gevera

Davao City (3 July) -- Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Director Yusop Ali has committed that the completion of the Manay-Boston Road would happen before the end of this year.

This is a project under the Surigao-Davao Coastal Road Project included in the Super Regions Project of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The Surigao-Davao Road Project covers 300 kilometers from Surigao City to the boundary town of Davao Oriental.

Davao Oriental First District Representative Nelson Dayanghirang announced in yesterday's 42nd Foundation Anniversary Program the expected date of completion of the said project.
"Our farmers can easily transport their goods especially now that municipalities of Davao Oriental are already connected to Surigao. This would translate to further development in our area," he said.

The Mati-Manay stretch in Davao Oriental was already completed last year.

Meanwhile, data from the DPWH showed that the Boston-Manay section is half complete; the Bislig-Boston section is now 60 percent complete; while the Marihatag-Hinatuan-Bislig is half complete.

Once completed, this road network would speed up the traveling time of tourists going to the coastal areas of Davao Oriental and it would also provide better transport access for the aquamarine products going to the market areas and processing facilities. (PIA XI)

Surigao Sur Bishop is new CBCP president

Surigao Sur Bishop is new CBCP president


Sunday, 12 July 2009
from: www.mindanews.com

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/11 July) – The new president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference is again a Mindanawon: Bishop Nereo Odchimar of the Archdiocese of Tandag in Surigao del Sur.
Odchimar, 68, a canon lawyer and presently CBCP vice president, won the votes of 86 out of 88 bishops present at the 99th Plenary Assembly of the Bishops’ Conference at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila Saturday, cbcpnewsonline reported.

Palo Archbishop Jose Palma, 59, will succeed Odchimar as vice president.
The term of office of the new officers begins in December 2009.

Odchimar will take over from Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo who served two terms as President, from 2005 to 2007 and 2007 to 2009, Lagdameo, on the other hand took over from Davao Archbishop Fernando Capalla, who served from 2003 to 2005. Capalla succeeded Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Quevedo, who served two terms, from 1999 to 2003.

According to the CBCP’s website, Odchimar was born on October 16, 1940 in Bacuag, Surigao del Norte. He completed his Philosophy studies at the Sacred Heart Seminary in Palo, Leyte, and Theology at the San Carlos Seminary in Makati City and was ordained to the priesthood on December 19, 1964.

Odchimar was member of the clergy of the Diocese of Surigao from 1965 to 1977, and served in the parishes of San Agustin, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur; San Nicolas de Tolentino in Mainit and Sts. Peter and Paul in Tubud, Surigao del Norte; and St. Vincent de Paul in Mangagoy, Bislig, Surigao del Sur.

He pursued further studies at the University of Santo Tomas Central Seminary, where he obtained his Bachelors degree in Canon Law, magna cum laude (1982) and Doctorate in Canon Law, magna cum laude (1983). He also completed masteral studies in Business Administration at the De la Salle University in Manila.

In the Archbishop of Manila, he served in the parishes of Sto. Nino in Tondo, Most Holy Redeemer in Masambong, San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City, and San Roque Parish, Alabang, Muntinlupa.

At the time of his appointment as Bishop, he was parish priest of the Most Holy Redeemer parish in Quezon City, and Associate judge of the National Appellate matrimonial Tribunal and Judicial Vicar of the Metropolitan Matrimonial Tribunal of Cagayan de Oro.

As president of the CBCP, Odchimar will also chair its Permanent Council. The Council acts for and on behalf of the entire conference whenever the plenary assembly, which meets only twice a year, is not in session. The body may be convened by the CBCP president at any time.
The council is also mandated to work with the commissions and assign them functions of urgent character that were not taken up in the plenary.

One of the council’s main functions is to prepare joint statements or pastoral letters of the Catholic hierarchy on matters decided upon by the plenary assembly, provided that copies are sent to other members for comment and approval before they are officially released.
Odchimar and other members of the CBCP’s permanent council will start serving their terms in December 2009.

The president and the vice-president are elected for two-year terms and can serve for a minimum of two terms. Elected to represent Mindanao in the Permanent Council are Zamboanga Arcbhishop Romulo Valles and Pagadian Bishop Emmanuel Cabajar.

In celebration of Earth Day (April 22) here this year, Odchimar joined a three-kilometer march into the municipality of Cantilan in Surigao del Sur, to condemn mining operations in the area.

Expressing his disappointment with the government, Bishop Odchimar said that he “felt betrayed upon learning that the Department Environment and Natural Resources had already issued Environmental Compliance Certificates to Marcventures Mining and Development Corporation and Carac-an Development Corporation (CDC) two months prior to having been assured of looking deeply into the watershed proclamation vis a vis mining in a dialogue with Sec. Lito Atienza." (MindaNews)

DoT cites tourism sites in Caraga

By MIKE U. CRISMUNDO
June 16, 2009, 3:18pm

BUTUAN CITY – Department of Tourism (DoT) Secretary Joseph Ace Durano Saturday said that the Caraga Region is now among the tourist destinations in the country, citing surfing and fishing in Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, and the various marine and coastal attractions in the provinces of Agusan and Surigao.

“Many potential tourism areas are already existing and still to be developed in this region,” said Durano who at the same time is the Caraga Region Cabinet Officer for Regional Development (CORD).

Durano was in this city leading the recently concluded three-day mega jobs fair at a downtown resort, hotel and convention center here.

He also asked the governors and mayors in the region to continue developing their identified tourism areas “because tourism is one of your industry in this region.”

According Durano, “Butuan City, Agusan and Surigao and Caraga in general, is one of the latest additions of the beautiful regions of the country that is of top priority under DoT for tourism development.”

“I am so happy that I was appointed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as CORD for the Caraga Region because I can concentrate now on your tourism areas for development,” said Durano.

“However, all things set for the benefits of the people will not be achieved without the full support of all the regional directors from all departments and agencies of the government and local officials,” he stressed.

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)

Surigao del Sur Gov delivers SOPA

by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

Tandag City, Surigao del Sur (27 February) -- Governor Vicente T. Pimentel delivered recently the State of the Province Address (SOPA) loaded with major accomplishment report for 2008 under his administration at the Seminar Hall, Capitol Hills, this city. Vice Governor Librado Navarro together with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Members, Administrator from first and second Congressional District as representative in the absence of two Congressmen, Cong. Philip A. Pichay and Cong. Florencio Garay, Provincial Administrator Johnny T. Pimentel and staff, Department heads from the National Agencies (NGA), Non Government Organization (NGO), Provincial Heads, PNP, Col. Danilo T. Fabian from 401st Brigade and Lt. Col. Benjamin Pedralvez from 58IB, Mayors and Vice Mayors from different Municipalities of this province, are among those who joined with the crowd witnessing the activity.

To highlight the event, the Governor called President Gloria Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as a "Compassionate" that catches the attention of the crowd. According to him, "PGMA is the only President of the Republic who listens to our agonies by addressing our gargantuan problems that have been the hindrance for us to attain optimum economic development." "PGMA allocated the amount of P2.5 billion for the concreting projects from the municipality of Cortes down to south up the boundary of Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental," he continued. We will be forever grateful to the President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and we will always remember her as the greatest president this country ever had", the Governor added.

One of his major accomplishments last year was the renovation of the Capitol building spending P60 million. He said, "I demolished the gloomy and ugly sight of the old and dilapidated capitol building. A new edifice now stands proudly and elegantly as our province's most treasured building above capitol hills." The Governor said, "last year alone, the 18 units of spring Development Project level II have been installed in the amount of P2.454 million", which according to him, "it has been my noble intention to provide clean and potable water to all up to the remotest sitios of our province." The Provincial Government expended P11 million for Local School, Board (LSB), salaries for volunteer teachers and building of classrooms and DepEd Athletic Meets. In addition, "Alay ng Probinsiya Scholarship Program" has been continuously helping poor but deserving students. Governor Pimentel presented to the crowd, Ma. Lady Lou Sabanal, a graduate student from Surigao del Sur Polytechnic State College (SSPSC) here, benefited this program who recently passed the Civil Engineering licensure Examination and presently employed as Casual Engineer 3 of Provincial Engineering Office (PEO). The Governor also congratulated Provincial Administrator Johnny Pimentel for being one of the awardees last year as most Outstanding Public Official of CARAGA by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). He was also nominated for the same award in the National level.

He also congratulated two dynamic uniformed officers: Pol. Supt. Richard dela Rosa of the PNP and Lt. Col. Benjamin S. Pedralvez, Jr., Battalion Commander of the 58th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army for their exemplary service to the province of Surigao del Sur and to our Nation. Meanwhile, "Tourism Industry in the Province is alive and moving notwithstanding the accessibility problem, is the influx of visitors and guests based on statistical data coming from tourism related establishments," Governor Pimentel said. Some accomplishments mentioned yesterday were the implemented infra structure projects funded by Provincial and National Government are the following: Rehabilitation/Maintenance of Provincial, barangay, and farm-to-market roads, total length was 199.77 kms. 11 units of bridges, constructed/repaired, Improvement/development projects were implemented in 12 different sites.

Provincial funded construction Projects, completed last year are the following: Construction of additional private rooms of the district hospitals, 6 in Bislig City, 6 in Hinatuan and 6 in Lianga district hospitals, the project cost is P7.165 million; Construction of Legislative Building Priovincial Capitol of the South, cost to P2.6 million; Concreting of Tigao Provincial road, project cost P2 million. Installation of additional seven units Tandag Lighting facilities in San Agustin Norte, Project cost P284, 237.00; Concreting of Lianga Comnprehensive National High School, cost to P3 million; Construction of Provincial Guest House, Project cost P4.585 million; Construction of Provincial Guest House Perimeter Fence, project cost P1 million; On-going of renovation of Lingig District Hospital, project cost P3 million.

On-going renovation of Lianga District Hospital project cost P1 million; On-going construction of Provincail FM Radio Station, Project cost 2.8 million. National Funded Construction projects completed last year: Rehabilitation of Provincial Capitol Road, Phase II (P1.919 million); Rehabilitation of Maticdum-Mabuhay Farm-to-Market road, project (P1.5 million); Construction of mabuhay-Himat-e Farm-to-Market road, (P2 million); Construction of Himat-e-Cayale Farm-to Market Road (P2 million); Construction of Unidos-Jubang Farm-to-Market road project (P4.5 million); Re-gravelling of Victoria Soong Road (2.5 million); Re-gravelling of Bolhoon-Haguimitan Farm-to-Market road (P2.5 million).

Lastly Governor Pimentel said, "All these developmental plans and goals would not be realized without durable and lasting peace". The presentation of 2008 Accomplishment Report of Governor Pimentel last to one hour and 15 minutes and was aired live province-wide thru the newly installed Provincial FM station in Bislig and dxJS Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag. (PIA Tandag