Butuan City News September 2011 (2024)

ACE to discuss plans, commitment for ‘Clean Ground, Zero Waste’ Program

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r13&id=56915
• Friday, September 30, 2011

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 30 (PIA) -– The Association of Caraga Executives (ACE) will conduct an Executive Briefing on October 6, 2:00 p.m. in one of the local establishments here.Caraga executives will be discussing their plans and commitments for the full implementation of the ‘Clean Ground, Zero Waste’ Program by the city government through the ‘No Segregation, No Collection’ Policy. This set to start on November 11 in all the barangays of the city.The said program was launched on September 11 in Butuan City during the simultaneous clean-up activity in all the barangays which was participated by the government employees, private stakeholders, youth organizations, community volunteers, and residents.According to Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga Regional Director and ACE President Atty. Rene K. Burdeos, the ‘Clean Ground, Zero Waste’ Program is in line with the full implementation of the Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.“The program aims to strengthen the partnership with all sectors towards the proper management of the city’s solid wastes,” Burdeos said.The Association of Caraga Executives (ACE) is an organization of heads of offices from different government agencies in Region XIII which aims to further professionalize the corps of CESOs and eligibles. ACE members not only provide financial assistance through the members’ contributions to civic groups’ programs but also undertake outreach programs for the less privileged sector of the society. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DENR task force seizes P1.2-M hot logs allegedly owned by politicians

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=375750
• September 29, 2011, 12:33 pm

by (PNA) DCT/FFC/BS/mec

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 29 (PNA) - Operatives of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Anti-Illegal Task Force apprehended some P1.2 million worth of illegal logs and logging truck allegedly owned by some politicians in Davao Oriental at a quarry site in Manay town, Davao Oriental on Tuesday, report from DENR-Caraga regional office here said.In a DENR press statement, DENR-Caraga PIO Eric Gallego said continuing ”search and apprehend” operation carried through Executive Order No. 23 signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III on February 1, 2011 led to the apprehension of the illegally cut logs.EO 23 is a declaration of a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forest and creating the anti-illegal logging task force.The order also prohibits the DENR from issuing logging contracts/agreements in all natural and residual forest such as Integrated Forest Management Agreements (IFMA) Socialized Integrated Forest Management Agreement (SIFMA), Community-Based Forest Management (CBFMA) and other agreements/contracts with logging components in natural and residual forest.The DENR said the task force has apprehended a total of 82 pieces of illegal round lauan logs with a volume of 128.38 cubic meters that were stockpiled at the Sta. Maria quarry in Barangay Central, Manay, Davao Oriental.The task force also seized a 10-wheeler truck loaded with undocumented logs at the quarry site.Initial investigation also revealed that the illegal logs were allegedly cut or gathered within the Asian Evergreen Integrated Forest Management Authority (IFMA) at Logdeck, Caraga, Davao Oriental.The task force were also verifying reports that Asian Evergreen IFMA was registered to a congressman and several local officials in that area.The discovery of the illegal logging operation in that area followed surveillance operations made by the task force for several days.

NPAs raid banana plantation

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=67&articleId=731555
• September 28, 2011 12:00 AM

by Ben Serrano

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – Communist guerrillas torched heavy equipment, three warehouses and three dump trucks owned by contractors of Dole Philippines and destroyed the firm’s eight-hectare banana plantation in Tago, Surigao del Sur before dawn Monday, police said.

Tago town is about 200 kilometers away from this city, the administrative capital of the Caraga region.

Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel earlier said he was saddened by Dole’s plans to temporarily stop its banana production in the province as it had to contend with New People’s Army attacks almost every other month in its plantations.

Last Sunday, NPA rebels also torched 12 passenger buses at the Victory Liner compound in Capas, Tarlac.

Diabetic person more prone to bone fractures

• Source: http://www.goldstardailynews.com/caraga--xiii/6148-diabetic-person-more-prone-to-bone-fractures.html
• Monday, 26 September 2011 11:39

by Gold Star Daily

BUTUAN City--Diabetics tend to have lower bone mineral density (BMD), says Dr. Celeste C. Tanchoco, Scientist III of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST).An FNRI study was done to assess the bone strength of women 30-50 years old and compared the BMD of the participants with and without diabetes.

A case control design was done to compare the BMD using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry.

Dr. Tanchoco observed that the participants with type-1 diabetes, or those who are insulin dependent, have lower BMD at the femoral neck, the thigh bone attached to the hip bone, while the participants with type-2 diabetes, or the non-insulin dependent, have lower BMD at the lumbar spine as compared with the non-diabetic participants.

"Diabetes and osteoporosis are disease conditions associated with unhealthy lifestyle described as poor food choices leading to obesity and lack of physical activity or sedentary life," Dr. Tanchoco added.

A lower BMD may result to brittle bones that fracture easily. These conditions may be prevented essentially through healthy lifestyle.

Message 7 of the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) recommends consuming milk, milk products and other calcium-rich foods such as small fish and dark green leafy vegetables everyday.

The NGF says: "Milk and milk products are the most important dietary sources of calcium for they contain highly-absorbable calcium and are good sources of high quality protein, vitamin A, riboflavin or vitamin B2, cobalamin or vitamin B12 and even phosphorous.

Aside from milk and milk products, the other good sources of calcium based on the Food Composition Tables (FCT) published by the FNRI-DOST are anchovies (dilis, dulong), sardines (tawilis, sinilyasi, tamban), shrimp (alamang, taguntong), crabs (talangka), snail (kuhol, susong pilipit), seaweeds (balbalulang, gamet, kulot), root crop (kamoteng puti), dried green mung beans, oats, and green leafy vegetables (dahon ng ampalaya, lubi-lubi, malunggay, saluyot, himbabao).

The FNRI-DOST likewise published a handbook for diabetes which contains valuable information on preventing and managing diabetes. It is a helpful tool to plan meals and activities for a healthy lifestyle. pia

CSC Caraga awards region’s outstanding public officials and employees

• Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=56044
• Sunday, September 25, 2011

by Nora CL Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 25 (PIA) -- The month-long celebration in Caraga region of the 111th Philippine Civil Service anniversary was highlighted with the awarding of the region’s outstanding public officials and employees by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) on September 21.Winners in the Outstanding Public Servants (TOPS) and the Ulirang Kawani (UK) awards were given recognition in a memorable ceremony held in one of the local convention centers here.This year’s awardee for the TOPS is the Municipal Mayor of the local government unit of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, Hon. Leonida P. Manpatilan.Manpatilan is the lone awardee out of ten nominees regionwide. She was also awarded the Philippine-Australia Alumni Association, Inc. (PA3i) Award, Caraga Chapter with the following PA3i Officers:Regional Director Leticia Dela Cruz-Tan of the Department of Tourism and PA3i National Board of Trustee; Director II Noemi Rabe-Torres, CSC Surigao del Norte Field Director and PA3i President, Caraga Chapter; Mr. Jesusimo L. Ronquillo, Agusan del Sur Provincial Administrator and PA3i Vice President; and Atty. Anthony P. Vitor, LGOO V of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Caraga and PA3i Treasuer.On the other hand, Mrs. Virginia B. Candelario, a Master Teacher II and District Alternative Learning System (ALS) Coordinator of Ampayon Elementary School, Department of Education Butuan District I. She is the only awardee from the six nominees of the region.Chief Personnel Specialist (CPS) Ruth Beniga of the Public Assistance and Liaison Division of CSC regional office Caraga said the TOPS Award is conferred to an individual for performance of extraordinary act or public service and consistent demonstration of exemplary behavior on the basis of the eight norms of behavior provided under RA No. 6713, otherwise known as the Code of Conduct & Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.The UK Award is conferred to an individual for the observance of attendance policy and the consistent demonstration of exemplary behavior on the basis of the eight norms of behavior provided under R.A. 6713, CPS Beniga added.The search is an annual undertaking of the CSC in time with the celebration of the Philippine Civil Service anniversary every month of September.This year’s theme is “Championing R.A.C.E. (Responsive, Accessible, Courteous, and Effective): Excellent Public Service at Full Speed.” (PIA-Caraga)

Court employee pleads guilty of using prohibited drugs

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r13&id=55995
• Saturday, September 24, 2011

by PIA Press Release

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 24 (PIA) -- A regular employee of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 4 here pleaded guilty to charges of maintenance of a Drug Den), possession of drug pParaphernalia and visitor of a drug den. It can be recalled that at around 5:30 am of August 13, 2011 at Purok 2, Lopez Jaena Extension, Brgy Tandang Sora, this city, elements of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Caraga Special Enforcement Team led by Christy Silvan served Search Warrant No. 1157-2011 issued by Judge Godofredo B. Abul, Jr. dated August 11, 2011. Said warrant was successfully served which resulted to the apprehension of Allan Patrick A. Atup, regular employee as Court Stenographer of RTC, Branch 4, and Kira Mae Pabia, a resident of Brgy, Tolosa, Cabadbaran City in Agusan del Norte. According to PDEA-Caraga Regional Director Joel Plaza, the conduct of thorough search and inventory of the place stipulated in the search warrant was witnessed by Lordito Escol, Jr., Brgy Capt of Tandang Sora, Butuan City; Ronaldo Bedrijo, DOJ representative and Ariel Jaspe, a Bombo Radyo Reporter. On September 12, 2011, the accused pleaded guilty to the crime as charge when arraigned with the assistance of his counsel. Dir. Plaza said by virtue of his acknowledgment and voluntary plea, he (Atup) voluntarily admitted all the allegations that he had used methamphetamine hydrochloride, otherwise known as shabu, which is a dangerous drug and found positive for use after a confirmatory test. “With this, the accused has violated Section 12 and 15 under Article II of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,” Plaza said. Meanwhile, on September 13, 2011, Judge Abul of RTC Branch 4 issued a decision to the accused, guilty beyond reasonable doubt for violation of Section 15 and Section 12 of Article II of Republic Act 9165, and imposes upon him the penalty of six months rehabilitation and is sentenced to suffer indeterminate penalty of six months and one day as minimum to three and four months as minimum and a fine of Php 50,000.00, without subsidiary imprisonment in case of insolvency. Accused is ordered to be placed under the care of Dr. Monina Atupan-Tan, a DDB accredited physician who is directed submit to the court a written report every three months on the progress of said treatment. With these developments, PDEA-Caraga continuously intensifies its drug supply reduction drive throughout Caraga Region towards the attainment of the agency’s vision of a vigorous campaign against illegal drugs thru prosecution and conviction of all persons who violated the provisions of drug law. (PDEA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Butuan City elderly gears up for Senior Citizens’ Week

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r13&id=55760
• Friday, September 23, 2011

by Nora CL Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 23 (PIA) -- The city’s senior citizens are now ready for the celebration of the Senior Citizens' week on October 3 – 9.The Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) here through its OSCA Head Imelda B. Mupas-Nonan said in a statement that week-long activities have been lined-up in order to have a more meaningful and memorable celebration. These include: Hataw (low grade exercise), jog for health, and medical check-up and test on the first day, October 3. The opening ceremony will also be held at the city hall grounds to be participated by the senior citizens from the 86 barangays of the city.On October 4, a cultural contest in the morning and the Search for King and Queen Senior Citizens 2011 in the afternoon will be conducted at the city hall lobby.In the afternoon October 5, there will be a Food Presentation and Table Setting competition at the city hall lobby.Aside from the medical services and competitions during the celebration, a whole-day “Pabibo” for the elderly will also be held in the OSCA building on the 4th day of the celebrationEach barangay senior citizen chapters are encouraged to join and have an entry in all the activities.The celebration is in line with Proclamation No. 470, declaring the first week of October as Linggo ng Katandaang Pilipino or Elderly Filipino Week. (PIA-Caraga)

DOST-Caraga launches 1st reg’l invention contest, exhibits

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r13&id=55598
• Thursday, September 22, 2011

by Maria Rebecca Ayaton

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 22 (PIA) -- A total of 40 participants from different high schools and colleges in Caraga Region joined the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-sponsored young inventors competition.The (DOST)-Caraga launched Wednesday the first ever Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) with the theme “Imbensyon at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Pag-unlad” held at Luciana Convention Center, this city.The exhibit is open for public viewing from September 21-23, 2011, 8:00 am- 5:00 pm at Luciana Convention Center, this city.The competition featured six categories namely: Invention Category or Tuklas Award, Utility Model Category, Industrial Design Category, Creative Research Category or Likha Award, and Student Creative Research Category or Sibol Award. Said categories are featured both in secondary and tertiary level.DOST Assistant Secretary for Strategic Plans and Programs Engr. Robert O. Dizon together with DOST Caraga Regional Director Lyndo G. Villacorta and other DOST officials cut the ceremonial ribbon.Also, Asec. Dizon said DOST is hoping to utilize and commercialize the inventions and researches of the youth for the development of the country.Meanwhile, Agusan del Norte Governor John Erlpe M. Amante supports the gesture of DOST-Caraga and urges the youth to be more creative and active in these kind of activities. “Technology serves as a foundation of economic growth,” Amante said.(MRA/PIA-Ca

Program to promote gender equality in political participation in Butuan City

• Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r13&id=55271
• Tuesday, September 20, 2011

by Gloria Theresa R. Cutab

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 20 (PIA) – Paz y Desarrollo (PyD), a Spanish non-government organization supported by the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation Development (AECID), together with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), PILIPINA and Miriam College-Women and Gender Institute (WAGI), will be launching its Regional Program to Promote Gender Equality in Political Participation on September 22-23, 2011 at the Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, Butuan City.This regional program is being implemented in five countries, namely, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Cambodia, East Timor and Vietnam.Aside from the launching of the Regional Program, the event will also be a venue to consult the target areas of Agusan del Norte (Butuan City and the Municipalities of Kitcharao, Santiago, Tubay) and Lanao del Sur (Marawi City and the Municipality of Balindong) on the strategies for program implementation.More than 70 participants from the target areas composed of elected local government officials and staff, civil society organizations, community members composed of women, indigenous peoples and youth as well as line agencies and the academe will be present in this activity.The Caraga State University (CSU) also serves as an implementing partner for this event. (PIA-Caraga

Gunmen ransack retired soldier’s house

• Source: http://www.tempo.com.ph/2011/gunmen-ransack-retired-soldier%E2%80%99s-house/
• Monday, September 19, 2011

by Mike U. Crismundo

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – Six armed men believed to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA) swooped down on the house of a retired Army officer on Saturday and carted away rifles and thousands of different live ammunition at Purok 4, Barangay Honrado, San Francisco town in Surigao del Sur, police said yesterday.A report from Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Office (PPO) stated that the robbery happened at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at the house of retired 2Lt Maurillo B. Gono, Jr., 60, a former member of Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion (26th IB), in Barangay Honrado, San Francisco town.The raiders fled to unknown direction after ransacking the house of the former military officer.The report did not indicate if Gono or any member of his family was around during the incident.Members of the San Francisco Police Station were investigating the incident as of yesterday

Transparency

• Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/334740/transparency
• September 18, 2011, 4:19pm

by MIKE U. CRISMUNDO

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – Taking the cue from President Aquino’s transparency program, the city government here launched over the weekend the “Transparency Corner” at the City Hall to enable the local residents to look into the day-to-day transactions of the various offices of the city and other line agencies of the government.

Along with top city and regional officials, the lunching of the transparency corner was personally spearheaded by Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr.

“The posting of daily, weekly, and monthly activities of the city is in line with President Aquino’s call for an end in government’s luxurious spending and misappropriation of public funds, and to scale-up interventions to elevate the practice of governance that values transparency and accountability,” said Amante.

As he emphasized the importance of being transparent in his governance in order to attract foreign investors.

Quoting one of the Japanese investors who recently visited the city for various public-private partnership projects, he said “Being transparent is a good thing because this is one of the first things that investors consider before embarking on a business venture.”

47-percent of mothers in Caraga use contraceptives

• Source: http://www.goldstardailynews.com/caraga--xiii/5964-47-percent-of-mothers-in-caraga-use-contraceptives-.html
• Thursday, 15 September 2011 00:00

by Gold Star Daily

BUTUAN City-The Department of Health said nearly half of the mothers in Caraga use contraceptives even as it blamed unintended pregnancy as the root cause of abortion.In a press briefing here, DOH-Caraga family planning coordinator Emmi Marie Cabahug said around 47.36 percent of 100 mothers in Region 13 use contraceptives to avoid unintended pregnancy or some 53 mothers do not use birth-control devices.Cabahug said of an estimated 314,214 married women of reproductive age in the region this year, 53,816 births were recorded with an estimated 32,776 skilled birth attended deliveries.

She also disclosed that based on the family planning and maternal and child health data gathered in Mindanao covering six regions including Caraga, of 3.1 million pregnancies, 1,200,900 births or 39 percent were planned, 961,000 deliveries or 31 percent were unplanned, 465,000 cases of abortion or 15 percent were spontaneous and 465,000 abortions or 15 percent were induced.According to Cabahug, five things can and must be done to address the problems on unplanned pregnancies and abortion:• help the couple increase their use of modern family planning methods;• increase their access to female fertilization;• improve the supply and lower the prices of family planning products and services from public and private sectors;• have men support family planning choices of wives; and• increase exposure to family-planning messages and improve quality of family planning information.

Youth leaders network initiates activities for peace

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r13&id=54045
• Wednesday, September 14, 2011

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 14 (PIA) -- The Caraga Youth Leaders’ Network is now initiating activities in support of the celebration of the United Nations’ (UN) International Day of Peace on September 21, 2011.Dubbed “Kalinaw Alang sa Tanan” (Peace for All), the initiative supports the worldwide call for a sustainable peace and development.It also seeks to inculcate the essence of peace and the true meaning of a shared community. It is a synchronize celebration for peace by youth organizations, government offices, NGOs, sectoral groups and the academe to show support for peace in the region.In a memorandum issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Caraga Regional Office here, all Chief Executives are encouraged to conduct the activity which is composed of three peace activities.The “Singko Minutos na Pag-ampo Alang sa Kalinaw” is a five-minute moment of prayer for peace from 8:00 a.m. to 8:05 a.m. on September 21 to be conducted by the Sangguniang Kabataan, NGOs, youth organizaitons, government offices and others. This activity enjoins all concerned to gather together in a candle lighting mode and say the prayer for peace.“Pirma Alang sa Kalinaw” is a petition declaring for a lasting peace in the region and the whole world to achieve human development and security. This activity can be facilitated by the Sangguniang Kabataan.The “Peace Education Symposium is an activity aims to intensify the peace education campaign among the people in the community.CYLN is a regional multi-sectoral and non-government organization (NGO) that focuses on advancing the Caraganon youth development affairs of Caraga Region. (PIA-Caraga)

Sumayajaw Festival in Jabonga goes full blast

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r13&id=53888
• Tuesday, September 13, 2011

by Francisco R. Jayoma

AGUSAN DEL NORTE, Sept. 13 (PIA) -- The 10th Sumayajaw Festival in the Municipality of Jabonga has gone full blast as various activities were held in different parts of the town to mark the event. The festival is an annual celebration in honor of the patron saint Nuestra Senora de la Assuncion.Thousands of Jabonganons trooped to the Municipal Plaza Square recently to see the biggest crowd-drawers of the festivity, the 10th Sumayajaw Festival street dancing.It kicked-off with the parade of 1l contingents around the town wearing different colors of costumes and bringing also with them different forms of props and paraphernalia to add attraction to their presentation.The competition was divided into 2 categories: A & B. Category A was composed of contingents from the different chapels of five barangays: San Vicente Ferrer Chapel, Brgy. Magdagooc; San Nicolas Chapel, Brgy. Colorado; Divine Mercy Chapel, Sitio Coro, Brgy. Colorado; San Vicente Ferrer Chapel, Brgy. Libas, and Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Brgy. Poblacion.Category B was participated by contingents from elementary and high schools: Baleguian Elementary School, Jabonga Central Elementary School, San Vicente National High School, Magdagooc National High School, Cuyago National High School and Jabonga National High School.Participants danced gracefully as a gesture of thanking their patron for Her intercession for giving them bountiful harvest and protecting them from any potential harm during typhoon or calamity.This year’s festival organizers decided to level the prize of twenty thousand pesos to defray the expenses of all contingents.However, special awards were given to Magdagooc National High School for Best in Choreography and Cuyago National High School for Best in Costume. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Wounded NPA amazon captured in Agusan del Norte

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=372123
• September 12, 2011, 3:54 pm

by (PNA) RMA/Ben Serrano/utb

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 12 (PNA) - Members of the Civilian Volunteers Organization (CVO) captured a wounded lady New People's Army (NPA) rebel in Sitio Subayon, Barangay Mahaba, Cabadbaran City on Sunday afternoon.

Caraga Police Regional Information Office identified the NPA amazon as Didith Maayo Enriquez, 28, married, resident of Purok- 4, Barangay Mahaba, Cabadbaran City.

Police said Enriquez was wounded during the encounter between her undetermined number of companions and the Philippine Army troops on Sept. 2, 2011 in Sitio Lusong, Brgy Puting Bato, Cabadbaran City.

After her capture, Enriquez was taken to the Philippine Army Hospital here in Barangay Bancasi, Butuan City for medical treatment.

Police said that a section of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army encountered undetermined number of suspected NPA rebels while conducting combat operation at Kamalig, Sitio Lusong, Putting Bato, Cabadbaran City in Agusan del Norte province at about 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 2.

Government troops recovered at the encounter site four M16 rifles, one AK47, explosives and personal belongings of the rebels. The firefight resulted in one NPA killed and no casualty from the government side.

DOST Caraga to host 1st Reg’l Invention Contest and Exhibits

• Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r13&id=53604
• Sunday, September 11, 2011

by Norma B. Alli

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga Regional Office headed by Regional Director Lyndo Villacorta will be hosting the 2011 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) with the theme: “Imbensyon at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Pag-unlad” on September 21-23, 2011 at Luciana Convention Center, J.P. Rosales Avenue, this city.The activity will feature inventions and exhibits and other invention development endeavors which will promote the commercialization of inventions and technologies of Caraga inventors and researchers.The regional winners in the said contest will receive cash prizes and plaques/certificates and will vie for major awards during the National Invention Contest in July 2002.The invention contest is open to investors, students and researchers who are interested to participate under the following categories: Invention Category (Tuklas Award), Utility Model Category, Industrial Design Category, Creative Research Category (Likha Award), Student Creative Research Category (Sibol Award) for High School, and Student Creative Research Category (Sibol Award) for College Students.The Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) is a support initiative of the DOT-Technology and Promotion Institute and DOST regional offices for Republic Act 7459, also known as the National Inventors and Inventions Incentives Act of the Philippines. One of the provisions of the law, as implemented by DOST-TAPI, is the selection and granting of cash rewards to outstanding inventions. (DOST-13/PIA-Caraga)

Butuan dad leads implementation of the “Clean Ground, Zero Waste” Program

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r13&id=53506
• Saturday, September 10, 2011

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 10 (PIA) – Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. strongly push for a Clean Ground, Zero Waste city through the implementaton of proper Solid Waste Management Program. The city shall impose a “No Segregation, No Collection” policy in barangays to ensure that trash will be segregated at source.According to Mr. Bong Alcala, Technical Consultant/External Resources Technical Working Group of the City Mayor’s Office bared that the volume of waste in Butuan is estimated at 95 tons per day. The highest percentage of this waste is biodegradable.“The financial burden of waste for the city government here is roughly P80 million annually, he said. (This includes) the cost of the construction of the sanitary landfill...the maintenance cost and the annual operations cost of garbage collection (P.37 cents per kilo or P13M per year)."Alcala added that this amount could have been spent on basic social and economic services such as "more health care providers and medicines, more teachers, more livelihood programs, more welfare assistance, more seedlings and trees, and the like.”The Clean Ground, Zero Waste Program was initiated to: 1) Facilitate social transformation processes among residents to manifest the desired behavior of segregating waste at source, cleaning the surroundings and converting wastes into money; and 2) Massive conversion of waste into organic fertilizers (biodegradables) by the organic fertilizer production facilities and useful materials (non-biodegradables).The program elements elements and approaches include: a) Awarding of Clean Seals as a behavior change strategy to households, puroks, barangay, classrooms, stall, business establishments; b) Deployment of Eco Marshalls to barangays; c) Mobilization of existing community volunteers and employ CD strategies; d) Waste conversion to organic fertilizers (with national, regional and local policy and financial back-up). Setting up of CB Organic Fertilizer Production Facilities and Faith gardens; e) Convergence and multi-sector mobilization; f) Integration with other community “felt” concerns (dengue, anti-rabies campaign); and g) Meaningful community participation and massive community actions.With this development, Mayor Amante hoped for the full support and cooperation from the general public. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Worker electrocuted while catching fish in Agusan

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=371374
• Thursday, September 8, 2011, 12:58 pm

By (PNA) scs/LAM/MUC/mec

CAMP RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City, Sept. 8 (PNA) -- A rice mill worker was electrocuted while catching fish in a creek in San Francisco town, Agusan del Sur province on Tuesday morning, the police reported on Thursday.

Investigators identified the victim as Jessie Sandi, worker of WAB Rice Mill of Purok 5, Barangay 4 of that same town.

Initial report received by the Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) here from the Agusan del Sur provincial police office (PPO) stated that the victim and a co-worker were catching fish at a nearby creek when the incident happened.

Sandi decided to use a 11O-volt electric wire to catch fish but he was electrocuted in the process.

He was rushed to the nearby D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival by attending physicians.

AFP conducts pursuit operations vs NPAs in Surigao del Sur

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=371097
• Wednesday, September 7, 2011, 3:28pm

By (PNA) scs/FFC/MUC/mec

Butuan City, Sept. 7 (PNA) -- Troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines were deployed Wednesday in the hinterland areas in the mountainous southern tip of Surigao del Sur province for a wide pursuit operation against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who burned several mining equipment in the area.

The move came after an undetermined number of members of the CPP-NPA Northeastern and southern Mindanao Regional Party Committees flagged down and held five dump trucks and three saddam hauler trucks loaded with coal minerals owned by Bislig Ventures in Sitio Sikahoy, Barangay San Jose, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur province at 2 p.m. Monday.

Report from the Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) based at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez here said the trucks were burned by the rebels.

According to the report, the drivers of the trucks were forcibly directed towards Barangay Pamian in Lingig town of the same province, and upon reaching Kilometer 21 in Barangay Rajah Kabungsuan of the same place, the perpetrators torched the trucks.

The drivers were released unharmed after the incident, it was reported.

PRO 13 said the trucks were burned because of the Bislig Ventures management's failure to give the demands of the NPA.

Bamboo trade

• Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/333379/bamboo-trade
• Tuesday, September 6, 2011, 3:28pm

By MIKE U. CRISMUNDO

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – Noting a lucrative business from bamboo and its vital contribution to mitigate the effects of global warming and climate change, a partnership between government line agencies, local government units (LGUs), and bamboo growers was formalized to strengthen mass bamboo tree planting and mass production.

The strengthening of the bamboo industry was organized by the Region 13 office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-13) in collaboration with the Cottage Industry Technology Center (CITC), LGUs, farmers, furniture makers, and concerned entrepreneurs.

Earlier, a forum with Caraga Region’s 70 stakeholders was conducted here and business opportunities to be generated from the bamboo industry were discussed.

The forum also tackled the opportunities of the engineered bamboo, and the skillful manipulation, transformation, and right processing of the bamboo poles from planting to harvesting and production.

They discussed opportunities in the establishment of bamboo nursery and plantation, interventions in climate change adaption project in collaboration with the International Labor Organization (ILO), and funding opportunities for the bamboo industry on how to obtain a small business guarantee.

DILG XIII supports CSC Month, Nat’l Filipino Family, Crime Prevention Week celebrations

• Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r13&id=52592
• Monday, September 05, 2011

by Mary Christine Anthonette M. Salise

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 5 (PIA) -- Various government line agencies held a joint celebration of three national events--the 111th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary, the National Filipino Family Week and the National Crime Prevention Week celebrations.Among the agencies were the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region XIII joined the Civil Service Commission (CSC), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).The program kicked-off with a walkathon participated by government agencies, socio-civic organizations and academic institutions showing signs of unity, support and participation in the advocacies of each sponsoring organization.The DILG supports NAPOLCOM and the Philippine National Police from pre to post activities by providing technical assistance in the conduct of information drive for students on crime prevention topics.In his message, DILG Regional Director Atty. Rene K. Burdeos thanked the participants for the support extended to the sponsoring agencies.“This is the first time in Caraga that the sponsoring agencies have converged together and agreed to have a joint kick-off,” Burdeos said.“I do hope that these agencies will continue their advocacies in this triple celebration especially in crime prevention,” he added.A Hataw Dance Exercise sponsored by the Rotary Club of Midtown Butuan added color to the event as participants dance to the tunes of hitbacks from the 80s and to the grind of present times. (DILG-XIII/PIA-Caraga)

Mindanao quakes

• Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/333112/student-support
• Sunday September 4, 2011, 2:52pm

by Mike Crismundo

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – A series of earthquakes rocked some areas in Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur on Friday and Saturday.But separate reports from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Northeastern Mindanao stated there was no reported damage to property or injury from the two separate quakes.“We’re closely monitoring the effects but no damage or persons hurt per field report as of this time,” said OCD Region 13 Director Blanche T. Gobenciong.

Bislig City to celebrate its 11th Charter Day; opens photo contest

• Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=52290
• Saturday, September 03, 2011

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 3 (PIA) –- The city government of Bislig, Surigao del Sur led Mayor Librado Navarro will be celebrating its 11th Charter Day come September 14-15, 2011 and will be launching its 1st LIB’s Photo Contest.According to Bislig City Information Officer Carlito Abar, the competition on photography welcomes professional photographers all over the Philippines. All photos must be of Bislig City’s tourist destinations identified by the organizers during the said dates.On Sept. 14, participants of the photo contest will be taking pictures at the Tinuy-an Falls, Hinayacan Cave, and Baywalk while on Sept. 15, they are scheduled to take pictures at the Hagonoy Island.“The interest of this contest focuses on images that showcase Bislig City’s one (1) major tourist spot and three (3) minor tourist destinations. We are inviting photography enthusiasts to join our “Photo Contest” for Bislig City, a rich city in ecological treasures… Come now and explore the beauty and wonder of Bislig City,” Abar said.The contest is open to Filipino professional photographers, 18 years and above. While the contest is not limited to the number of participants, however, only the 1st Ten (10) participants, who are non Bislig residents who register first can avail of the “early birds” freebies of two (2) days free accommodation.Abar also bared that interested participants are required to come and register on Sept. 14, 8:00am at the 3/F Kamayo Hall, Bislig City. Participants shall provide for their own equipment like camera, USB, CD, Laptop, and others. The organizer shall provide the transportation from Bislig City Hall to site/areas for pictorial as scheduled. An Info Tech Personnel shall be assigned to gather and process the photo entries.The guidelines of the photo contest are:1) Photos must be taken by the participants from the natural landscape of identified tourist destination areas during the scheduled on-site pictorial only; 2) Only one picture entry per sight in each identified tourist destination areas/natural landscape shall be submitted by the participants every after pictorial session; 3) Only raw images are considered valid entry; 4) All photos should accurately reflect the subject matter and the scene as it appeared; 5) Post processing is strictly not allowed, adjustment of picture color alteration and sharpening through adobe photoshop or other photography enhancement software will automatically disqualify the entry; 6) Images that do not meet the requirements or deviates from the entry rules may or may not be judged at the judging panel’s sole dicretion; 7) Official entry must have a 300dpi/large format image size, no film-base camera; 8) Identifying marks, signs and address or other marking such as date or time stamps on the photo is not allowed; 9) No collages of photos; 10) The decision of the Board of Judges is final and irrevocable; and 11) All official entries (winning and non-winning) shall become the exclusive property of the organizer.Criteria for judging are as follows: Originality – 10%; Photo Composition – 40%; Technical Excellence – 30%; Artistic Merit – 10%; and Overall Impact – 10%, a total of 100%.First prize winner will receive Php 8,000.00; 2nd prize – Php 5,000.00; 3rd prize – Php 3,000.00 while consolation prizes will be given to seven winners amounting to Php 500.00 each. All winners will also receive certificates of recognition.For more details or inquiries on the said event, interested party may contact Ms. Laine S. Elechicon, Admin. Officer of Bislig City Information Office at cellphone No. 0949-1989277. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

PDEA-Caraga intensifies efforts to drug prevention

• Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r13&id=52231
• Friday, September 02, 2011

by Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 2 (PIA) -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said they are stepping up its drive against illegal drugs citing strides gained because of their operations.This was revealed by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Caraga OIC-Regional Director Joel Plaza in a press conference organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in celebration of the National Police Commission’s (NAPOLCOM) 17th National Crime Prevention Week held Thursday, September 1 at City Interior and Local Government (CILG) office, Barangay Doongan, this city.“For the first two quarters of 2011, PDEA has conducted a total of seventy-eight (78) operations. Out of these operations, 105 drug personalities were arrested, two eradication of Marijuana, and 132 drug cases were filed in court,” Plaza stressed.Plaza added that drug trafficking incidents at Barangays San Ignacio and Ong Yiu have lessened due to their intensified efforts in making a drug-free city and their cooperation with the Philippine National Police (PNP) in implementing the Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.Plaza further emphasized the importance of the community’s involvement in their operations by simply giving them information. “We are already making programs against drug trafficking and we are empowering the community because they have a big role to drug prevention.” (MRCA/PIA-Caraga)