Surigao del Norte Province News March 2012 (2024)

Barbers urges gov't to activate Bataan power plant

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=792705
• March 30, 2012 05:19 PM

by. philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines - A former legislator from Mindanao on Friday urged the government to seriously study the possibility of utilizing the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant to address the looming energy problem in the country.

Former Surigao del Norte congressman Ace Barbers also suggested that the government should look for alternative energy sources to deal with the Mindanao power crisis.

"I am strongly for searching of alternative sources of energy," Barbers said in a statement.

He added: "The national government spends millions of taxpayer's money for the BNPP's maintenance."

He said that the current power crisis being experienced in Mindanao should push the government to consider using the nuclear power plant.

"We have to exhaust all options now rather than closing down talks immediately," he said. "This could be a lasting solution to the energy crisis being experienced in the country,m especially those in Mindanao."

Evacuees blame mining behind militarization in hinterLand areas

• Source: http://www.goldstardailynews.com/caraga-%7C%7C-xiii/8901-evacuees-blame-mining-behind-militarization-in-hinterland-areas.html
• Thursday, 29 March 2012 00:00

by. BEN SERRANO

KASALO Secretary General Genasque Enriquez told this writer that they obtained secret records from concerned government agencies that allegedly First Gen, one of the Lopez Group of Companies is allegedly eyeing a huge coal mining project in the area. "Records we obtained revealed huge coal deposits in hinterLand areas of Barangay Bangayan, in Kitcharao and Jabonga, all in Agusan del Norte where hundreds of peasants, tree farmers, upLand farmers and indigenous people are residing since time immemorial were real target for militarization forcing them to leave the area so that there will be no problem when mining explorations start this year or maybe next year", says Enriquez.

Television and news organization giant ABS-CBN belonged to Lopezes Group of Company, Enriquez said. "Minimax Gold Mining Company is also set to operate in their exploration stage in the huge Zapanta Valley in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte whose gold mining project extends up to the areas in Surigao del Sur like First Gen", Enriquez alleged. "Clearly the massive militarization which sow fear among hundreds if not thousands of hinterLand dwellers of the more than 300,000 hectares Zapanta Valley and Barangay Ferida, Alegria, Surigao del Norte areas where different kinds of mineral ores are found were to serve the interests of these greedy, huge mining firms rather than the interests of lumad dwellers and upLand farmers", Enriquez added.

In separate press statements, party-list groups Gabriela, Kabataan and human rights group Karapatan asked the national government particularly concerned national government agencies to investigate why mining explorations permits were issued without consulting thousands of upLand dwellers in the huge Zapanta Valley. Said groups have earlier asked a no-nonsense Congressional Inquiry to investigate offi cials and personnel of concerned government agencies who allegedly approved issuances of government permits if there are any. The 455 evacuees or about 200 Lumad and peasant families from Sitio Zapanta, Barangay Bangayan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte and Barangay Ferida, Alegria, Surigao del Norte evacuated their homes since March 5, 2012 due to fear of being caught in the crossfire between military and NPA rebels skirmishes.

Of the 455 evacuees, 194 were women, 9 of them pregnant, 183 children aging from 1 month to 6 years old and 55 elderly men and women, the rest were young and adult males, records from KASALO obtained by this writer show. They are now temporarily taking shelter at Barangay Imadejas covered court a kilometer away from Agusan del Norte Provincial Capitol compound where they were allegedly forced to leave after provincial officials told them the provincial government headed by Agusan del Norte Governor Erlpe Amante will use capitol compound for exhibits.

NPA rebels threaten new attacks on mine firms

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=792025&publicationSubCategoryId=200
• March 28, 2012 08:38 PM

by. March 28, 2012 08:38 PM

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Filipino communist rebels have warned three mining firms they may be attacked again if they continue to use methods the rebels say harm the environment.

New People's Army regional spokesman Jorge Madlos said Wednesday the nickel mining compounds in remote Claver town in southern Surigao del Norte province have refused to discuss the guerrillas' concerns about the environment and the treatment of mine workers.

Mining officials have denied the rebel allegations.

Military spokesman Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos says the simultaneous attacks by more than 200 guerrillas on the mining compounds last October were part of extortion attempts. He says government forces have bolstered the security of the mining firms.

Mamanwas flee Surigao Norte village as mil op intensifies

• Source: http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/03/27/mamanwas-flee-surigao-norte-village-as-mil-op-intensifies/
• Tuesday| March 27, 2012

by. (Roel N. Catoto and Vanessa Almeda/MindaNews)

SAN ISIDRO, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte (MindaNews/26 March) — The shooting last Friday of a Mamanwa in Barangay Camam-onan allegedly by soldiers belonging to the 30th Infantry Battalion has forced other tribal villagers to evacuate. Saying they fear they might become the next victims, the Mamanwas from the communities of Pagbangayan, Katikuyan, Bongogon and Kalatinga numbering 66 families or 259 individuals have sought refuge in an island formed by silt, near the dam in Baoy River in this barangay. Datu Geni Calisangan of Bongogon said they got scared after Balodoy Enano was shot allegedly by soldiers while gathering firewood together with three other men. Enano was hit in the left chest and is now recuperating at Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City. His situation was said to have stabilized. But prior to this incident, Calisangan said they also felt extreme fear when helicopters bombed their area early this month. “We don’t want this to continue,” he said in the vernacular. He recalled that last year a tribe member named Ayong Hubasan was also shot and his body has remained missing. Fellow Mamanwas accused military personnel as the culprits. “They (soldiers) shot them even if they were just cutting trees and were just carrying hatchets,” Mario Catubigan, a council member of the tribe from Bongogon said. Calisangan said firefights between government troops and rebels happen from time to time but they have become used to these. He said this is the first time that they moved to a place far from their communities. He added they were also displaced sometime in 2008 but they only fled to neighboring sitios. He said the number of evacuees may double as some of their members in neighboring communities have decided to also leave their homes after securing their animals and farm yield. Evelyn Catubigan, of Sitio Pagbangayan said she would rather die of hunger at the evacuation site here rather than live in fear in their community. “We want to live in peace,” she said. She admitted that communist go to their area but that they don’t stay there. Caman-onan barangay council members Santos Bentulan Jr. and Vilma E. Coter said the military should secure civilians before conducting military operations. They likewise urged the military to stop the operations to enable the people to resume their normal lives. For his part, Lt. Col. Vincent B. Iringan, commanding officer of the 30th Infantry Battalion denied accusations his soldiers shot Enano saying it’s the same old, fabricated story. “What if the culprit is another person and it was just blamed on the soldiers? We no longer commit human rights violations,” Iringan said, adding the rebels are now the human rights violators. He challenged the victim to file cases against the military in court. “We will see them in court. Ginagawa tayong tanga ng mga yan (They’re making fools of us) with their fabricated stories. Lahat tayo ginagawang katawa tawa nila (They’re making all of us look ridiculous), don’t you think so?,” the military official said. “Naniwala pa ba kayo sa kwento nila? Parati naman ganyan. Parati na lang ang reason for displacement is military operations. Hindi naman kami pweding huminto ng operations hanggang may armado,” (Do you still believe in their story? It’s always been the same. They always say that the reason for displacement is military operations. We cannot possibly stop our operations while there are armed men there) Iringan said. “Bakit di nila sisihin mga armado na siyang rason (Why don’t they blame the armed group which is the reason) for our operations? They are illegitimate, di ba?,” he said. Meanwhile, the evacuees were worried they might be swept away by floodwaters if heavy rains came. But Calisangan said the people still felt safe since the weather was still dry. He asked for medicines for some children and old women who have fallen ill. Yesterday, Kalatinga tribal chieftain Arnel Nayer’s wife Narsing complained of nausea and vomiting and was seeking assistance from local government officials. Town Mayor Arturo Carlos Egay Sr., said he has tasked the municipal social workers to validate the number of evacuees, although he did not say what help the local government can give to them. Evelyn Maceren of the National Commission Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in Surigao del Norte went to the area and listed the names of the evacuees. Maceren said Taganito Mining Company (TMC) has promised to extend assistance. She also said she asked the help of government agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the office of Governor Sol F. Matugas. “We were advised to go to the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government and the DSWD because we can’t support them (evacuees). We will accompany them to the governor’s office, DILG and DSWD,” she added.

Disability affairs council conducts access audit of gov’t offices in Surigao Norte

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R13&article=1721332742366
• Monday 26th of March 2012

by. (Susil Ragas/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

SURIGAO CITY, Mar. 26 (PIA) -– The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), in coordination with other line agencies, conducted recently an Access Audit to city and provincial government establishments in Surigao del Norte.

The activity is pursuant to the implementation of Accessibility Law or Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 – An Act to Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by Requiring Certain Buildings, Institutions, Establishments and Public Utilities to install Facilities and Other Devices for differently abled persons.

There were five features of a building that were checked such as ramps, entrance, washroom, parking space, and stairs.

According to DPWH - Caraga Architect Eduardo B. Beluan, ramps should be located at the main entrance, not steep, with handrails on both sides and spacious width for wheelchair passage.

Parking areas for PWDs should be located at the nearest entrance with signage, its width is enough to fit a car and a wheelchair beside it. For washrooms and toilets it should be at least 1.70 X 1.70 meters in dimension, with 0.80 meter width of door, should be built with non-skid materials, and there should also be one movable grab bar and one fixed to the adjacent wall, with sufficient turning space and adequate dimension for wheelchair where in PWDs can easily enter especially when in a wheelchair.

NCDA Regional Program Coordinator Flerida Labanon said almost 50 percent of audited establishments had issues.

Lebanon said among the problems encountered during site audit were steep ramps, lack of handrails, no signage, and inadequate and obstructed entrance, ramps, washrooms and parking space.

Although this could still be corrected, Labanon stressed local government executives should “strictly implement B.P 344” so that every disabled persons can enjoy the same opportunities available to other persons and that they can fully participate in the social life and the development of their community.

"We want to achieve our thrusts and direction for 2012 and implement programs and services for the Persons with Disability, that’s the reason we are conducting access audit," she said.

The auditing teams led by NCDA-Regional Program Coordinator Flerida Labanon were representatives from the Department of Interior & Local Government (DILG), Department of Public Works & Highways (DPWH), Department of Social Welfare & Development (DSWD) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

5 soldiers wounded in Surigao ambush

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=67&articleId=790616
• March 25, 2012 12:00 AM

by. Ben Serrano

Camp Rafael Rodriguez, Libertad, Butuan City, Philippines – Five soldiers were wounded when suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels ambushed a convoy of military vehicles in Sitio Subang Daan, Barangay Cantugas, Mainit, Surigao del Norte Wednesday evening.

Chief Superintendent Reynaldo Rafal, head of the Caraga police regional office, identified the wounded soldiers as Sgt Dela Bano; Private First Class Steve Gapoy; Pvt. April June Añasco; Pvt. Ryan Corton and Pvt. Michael Gonzaga of 30th Infantry Brigade (IB) of the Philippine Army based in Bad-as, Placer, Surigao del Norte

A report of the Mainit police to Police Regional Office-13 stated that the military convoy was on its way to the 30th IB Army headquarters when attacked by NPA rebels.

An improvised explosive device attached to an electrical post exploded as the convoy was passing Sitio Subang Daan in Barangay Cantugas.

Police said a 10-minute gunfight also ensued.

Police are still investigating the incident. There were reports that some 50 armed men were seen “installing something” in the electrical posts along the road in Sitio Subang prior to the incident.

Barbers brothers, Casurra eye Surigao comeback

• Source: http://www.goldstardailynews.com/caraga-%7C%7C-xiii/8840-barbers-brothers-casurra-eye-surigao-comeback.html
• Saturday, 24 March 2012

by. VANESSA ALMEDA Correspondent

SURIGAO City--Former Surigao del Norte governor Robert Lyndon Barbers has hinted that he, his brother Robert Ace and ex-mayor Alfonso Casurra would be actively taking part in the elections here next year. His elder brother Robert Ace however opted to keep mum about his family's political plans. The younger Barbers, in an interview, confirmed that the "BBC"- -Barbers, Barbers and Casurra-- would play an active role here in the 2013 elections, short of confirming that he and the two other politicians would stage a comeback.

"We are ready but it's still March. Many things can happen. We may run, we may not run," said Barbers lost in the 2010 mayoral race against Mayor Ernesto Matugas. Barbers said this after the citybased weekly Agusan-Surigao Enquirer quoted Jamar Gavino and former Association of Barangay Councils chairperson Reynaldo Ganto as announcing the that it was official that the "BBC" is joining the 2013 political race.

Ex-mayor Casurra declined to comment. Barbers's elder brother Robert Ace, a former congressman, also declined to make an official statement but he said Gavino has been authorized to speak on his behalf. Robert Lyndon said the "BBC" can also be "PAL"--shor t for Pons (Casurra)-Ace (Barbers)-Lyndon (Barbers). He said Casurra may run for congressman, Robert Ace for governor and he could seek the mayoral post again under the Nationalista Party. The ex-governor said his group would make an official announcement anytime soon.

Barbers said he welcomed Gavino's pronouncements but added that "if ever there will be a final decision, it will be because it is the clamor of the people." Meanwhile, Padajon Surigao provincial coordinator Bobong Eupena said the Barbers' group has weakened and only has the support of only two barangay chairpersons. Padajon Surigao is the local political party of the Matugases and Romarates of Surigao del Norte.

Nitoy, Romarate vow party unity

• Source: http://news.mindanao.com/2012/03/nitoy-romarate-vow-party-unity/
• MARCH 23, 2012

by. Jun Parada and Jun Lira

Surigao City — In a major show of force which impressed DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas and other political stalwarts from Liberal Party, City Mayor Ernesto “Nitoy” Matugas and Rep. Guillermo Romarate, Jr. renewed on Friday (March 16) their vow to uphold party unity and solidify their ranks in preparation for the May 2013 elections.Roxas was in town attending as guest of honor to the 70th Regular Meeting of the Regional Development Council of Caraga Region held at the Provincial Convention Center which was presided over by Governor Sol Matugas. He was accompanied by Mindanao Development Authority (Minda) Secretary Luwalhati Antonino and Rep. Philip Pichay of Surigao del Sur.“Partido Padajon Surigao is united as ever and has never been in any internal conflict. In fact, we are now stronger and more focused in our united effort to repeat, or if possible, surpass our overwhelming victory in the past May 2010 elections which gave us a resounding 24 – 0 mark. Twenty town mayors, a city mayor, a governor and two congressmen. Now, we aim for more success in next year’s elections with the help of Mayor Nitoy,” said Rep. Romarate.Mayor Nitoy Matugas told Caraga Aksyon Balita that political intrigues should not sink into the minds of party members considering the same were orchestrated by their defeated political rivals in a vain effort to poison adherents of Partido Padajon Surigao.“The victories of the Matugas family and the rest of our party leaders were a team effort which included the major political share of my kumpare Jun Romarate. Now, the two of us will once again stand and join forces in helping our party reassert its supremacy in next year’s elections,” Matugas added.Romarate and Matugas made their vow during the oath-taking of new members of the Liberal Party held at the Governor’s Mansion which was administered by Secretary Mar Roxas, national president of the Liberal Party.Sworn in as members were seven provincial board members, 20 town mayors, 17 vice-mayors, 180 town councilors, 52 barangay chairmen from Surigao City and some political leaders.Also attending the event were Rep. Francisco Matugas, Governor Sol Matugas and Vice-Gov. Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr.During the occasion, League of Municipalities President and Bacuag Mayor Sheila Mae Orquina-Cebedo exhorted new Liberal Party members to live by party ideals and unquestionable loyalty.“We must all be proud that we belong to the strongest party in the country which is the party of the President of the Philippines. Let our unity withstand the tests of time, intrigues and tempting offers from divisive sources,” Cebedo concluded.

Engr: Only ‘minor cracks’ on Surigao buildings after quake

• Source: http://www.goldstardailynews.com/caraga-%7C%7C-xiii/8803-engr-only-minor-cracks-on-surigao-buildings-after-quake.html
• Thursday, 22 March 2012

by. VANESSA ALMEDA Correspondent

SURIGAO City--Last Friday's 5.9 magnitude earthquake caused no major damage here. Engr. Gil Rufino Menor, City Engineering Office chief, said some buildings only suffered "minor cracks" on walls as the relatively strong earthquake shook the city and Surigao del Norte. Menor said over 20 buildings were inspected and the engineering team only found "minor cracks" on walls of establishments like Absolute Essentials, Philippine Gateway Hotel, St. Paul's University, Bar ton's Inn and the new Gaisano Capital Mall, among others. "There were minor cracks but these are OK because the structural strength of the buildings were not affected," Menor said.

Menor organized the team after receiving instructions from Mayor Ernesto Matugas for him to assess the infrastructure damages as a result of the earthquake. Several public School buildings were also inspected but the engineers did not find serious damages. Meanwhile, Menor recommended that the owners of the four-storey Absolute Essentials and Barton's Inn remove the cement plaster on cracked areas of the establishments to determine the extent of the damages. "If the crack already passes through the cement-plastered finishing, then these owners can hire a structural engineer to check the stability of the structures," he said.

Menor said columns and beams serve as foundations of buildings and once these are damaged, the buildings may lose their structural integrity. Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council of Dinagat reported that total damage to properties in the province reached P4.985 million. The breakdown: damages to public structures, P2.34 million; computer equipment, P100 thousand; and houses, P2.524 million.

The epicenter of last week's quake was in Dinagat isLands. More than 20 houses were reportedly damaged due to the quake.

Siargao Island, Sea Protection Up

• Source: http://mb.com.ph/articles/354990/siargao-island-sea-protection-up
• March 21, 2012, 4:43pm

by. MIKE U. CRISMUNDO

DAPA, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte – In an effort to protect and preserve the environment, including the protection of thousands of mangrove trees, and adapt a policy of improving ridge to reef management capacity, various government officials have intensified their programs under the Siargao Islands Protected Landscapes and Seascapes (SIPLAS) objective.

In line with the Philippine Climate Change Adaptation Project (PhilCAP), the government has started laying down several programs to be implemented on this Eden-like Siargao Island.

As this developed, the government is strengthening its existing institutional frameworks to climate change adaptations (CCA) strategies in natural resources and agriculture.

It was learned that the PhilCAP Phase-1 program is a five-year World Bank-funded pilot project, with a $4.9 million grant.

The development objective of PhilCAP is likewise to develop and demonstrate approaches that would enable targeted communities to adapt to the potential impacts of climate variability.

Some of these funded projects had been allocated to the “paradise island” of Siargao, where more than 8,000 hectares of mangrove plantation are mostly located along the coastline of Pilar town.

Siargao Island is composed of the municipalities of Dapa, Burgos, Del Carmen, General Luna, San Benito, San Isidro, Santa Monica, Socorro, Pilar, and Bucas Grande.

The area has been seen as a potential site for commercial seaweed propagation, which is greatly influenced by the winds and currents coming from the Pacific Ocean, intensified by the Mindanao current running westward through the Siargao Strait.

Offshore, a classic tropical island lies protected within its surrounding coral reef with numerous coconut palms dressed in the center circle of the island.

Off to the right, within the massive coral reef, lies a shining white sand bar measuring some 200 meters long.

The island’s Pacific-facing reefs are situated on the edge of the Philippine Trench, and the extremely deep offshore waters assure the ocean swells have undiluted power when they encounter the many coral and rock reefs.

Siargao has excellent surfing conditions, particularly during the southwest “habagat” monsoon from August to November, when the prevailing wind is offshore.

In another development, the Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR) in the Zamboanga Peninsula will join the celebration of “World Water Day” on March 23 through a massive cleanup of riverbanks and other water ways, including the two Sta. Cruz Islands, facing the local port.

Ben Acana of the Community Environment and Natural Resource Office (CENRO) for Zamboanga, and Tito Gadon of the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) have already met with the various sectors involved in the celebration.

Acana said their office has requested various non-government organizations (NGOs) and government organizations to participate in celebrating the “World Water Day” through clean-up drive in various rivers, including the two islands of Sta. Cruz.

In the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, Gadon said their office has already assembled several students for the massive clean-up campaign in various riverbanks and coastal areas within Barangay Buluan, including other areas of the province.

Gadon said they have also coordinated with the various schools and colleges in Zamboanga Sibugay for the massive clean-up campaign.

Acana also disclosed that the country will again celebrate World Earth Hour on March 28, together with other countries.

He said various local government units in the country will again switch off their power supplies to give way to the World Earth Hour that is celebrated annually. (With a report from PNA)

Caraga Disaster Council final tally: 45 injured, 28 houses damaged in quake

• Source: http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/45164-Caraga-Disaster-Council-final-tally-45-injured,-28-houses-damaged-in-quake.html
• Tuesday, March 20. 2012

by. (PNA)

DCT/LAM/BS/mec

BUTUAN CITY — The Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) has finally came up with an official tally of injured persons and houses damaged by the March 16, 2012 3:58 p.m. earthquake that hit the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands.The official report dated March 19, 2012 reported a total of 45 persons injured in Surigao City while 28 houses were damaged in Dinagat Islands province by the earthquake which measured 5.9 in Dinagat Islands and 6.0 in Surigao City, according to local PHILVOCS office records based in Surigao City.Dinagat Islands province which has a total 8 municipalities is about two to three hours motorboat ride from Port of Surigao CityThe quake was centered two kilometers (1.2 miles) off Dinagat Islands which was tectonic in origin and with a depth of 16 kilometers.Around 24 houses were totally damaged in Brgy. Roxas, and four houses partially damaged in Brgy. Imee, Basilisa in Dinagat Islands. Initial damaged assessment to infrastructure amounted to P828,440 in San Jose, Dinagat Islands.Damaged infrastructures include partially damaged multi-purpose staged and wharf in Basilisa, minor cracked municipal and sangguniang building in Cagdianao and minor cracked gymnasium and elementary school in Libjo.

Weather: Shallow LPA spotted in Surigao City

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=413643
• March 19, 2012, 3:36 pm

by (PNA)

DCT/magi

MANILA, March 19 (PNA) -– The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said a shallow low pressure area (SLPA) was spotted east southeast of Surigao City.

PAGASA, in its synopsis issued on Monday, March 19, 2012 said that as of 2:00 a.m. today, the SLPA was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 160 kilometers east southeast of Surigao City (9.5°N, 127.0°E).

In its forecast, PAGASA said Bicol Region, Visayas and Northern Mindanao will have cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms with widespread rains over Eastern Visayas and Northern Mindanao which may trigger flashfloods and landslides. The rest of Southern Luzon and of Mindanao will have mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and isolated thunderstorms. The rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

PAGASA said as it indicates the SLPA has no possibility to develop into a tropical depression. It said it might dissipate as it hits land.

For its wind and sea alert, the weather agency said moderate to strong winds blowing from the east to northeast will prevail over Luzon and coming from the southeast to northeast over the rest of the country. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough.

As for the temperature in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, PAGASA showed that it ranges from 22 to 32 degrees Celsius.

P802-M budget to make Siargao a prime tourist destination

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R13&article=1701332034194
• Sunday 18th of March 2012

by (NCLM/MUC/PIA-Caraga)

SAYAK AIRPORT, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Mar. 18 (PIA) -- Finally, the Eden-like island that is Siargao Island has been noticed, and big time at that. In an objective to make the “paradise island” of Siargao the country’s modern tourist destination, a proposed P802-million budget for 2013 was strongly endorsed on Friday.

Surigao del Norte Representative Francisco T. Matugas made the endorsem*nt as he briefed Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas during the inauguration of the newly completed P25-million Sayak Airport terminal here.

Matugas said the proposed budget will make Siargao Island and other tourist destinations in the province more globally competitive.He said the proposed fund will be used to complete all road networks to the various tourism sites. “We hope this budget proposal will be given priority next year because we are really aiming high to make this part of Mindanao globally competitive,” stressed Matugas.

Currently, in prepping up Siargao for bigger things, more than P100 million worth of various infrastructure projects such as roads, municipal and barangay (village) ports, and other national government offices are undergoing construction on the island’s nine towns.

The provincial government is also preparing for a five-day global fishing competition slated from April 28 to May 1, this year in Pilar town.

In another development, the Region-9 office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-9) said that President Aquino is expected to lead the inauguration of the P342 million Sanga-Sanga – Lapid-Lapid steel bridge in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi early next month.

Bridge Project Engineer Jul-Arab Kong of the DPWH-9 said that by April of this year, the bridge will be made opened to the public.

DPWH-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH-ARMM) Secretary Emil K. Sadain pointed out that after decades at attempting to construct the bridge project, “it is only now that we are to realize it.” The steel bridge is expected to spur economic growth and boost the social transformation of Tawi-Tawi.

The bridge, one of the priority projects of the national government, will connect the capital town of Bongao to the municipalities of Panglima Sugala, Sapa-Sapa, Tandubas, and Lunguyan.

“Most people in this province are eagerly waiting for the completion of the bridge since it will reduce travel time to this (Bonago) town,” Sadain was told.

The project, which started in 2008, has five components – the upgrading of the 7.6-kilometer Sanga-Sanga Road, upgrading of the 8.45-kilometer Lapid-Lapid Road, construction of Sanga-Sanga Bridge, construction of the Lapid-Lapid Bridge, and the implementation of the Bakhaw Dakula Link Road.

Miners bring health care to own communities

• Source:http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/provincial/25992-miners-bring-health-care-to-own-communities
• Thursday, March 15, 2012

by Manny Balbin

NICKEL Asia Corporation (NAC), with its subsidiaries, Taganito Mining Corporation and Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation (THPAL), leads a team of 40 doctors and volunteers from the Manila Adventist Medical Center and FEU Medical Society of California in providing health care to about 2,000 individuals from the mining communities of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands during a three-day medical mission on February 18-21, 2012.

The team of doctors and surgeons, nurses-volunteers, pharmacists and medical assistants provided consultations, free medical lab tests, CP clearances and even minor surgeries to residents of Taganito, Cagdianao, Hayanggabon and Urbiztondo in the municipality of Claver, Surigao del Sur.

“We have been doing this for years, a simple way to make available our talents in serving humanity,” says Dr. Archie La Madrid, the mission’s team leader.

Dr. Leonita P. Gorgolon from the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga gave her support by providing access to the Caraga Regional Hospital (CRH) in Surigao City for the major and minor surgeries. The DOH also commissioned the support of about 50 CRH staff, including their own surgeons, nurses and other medical volunteers.

The doctors and volunteers performed 59 major surgeries mostly for Thyroidectomy, Herniorraphy and Ophorectomy, including medium reconstructive surgery, orthopedic work, and others. Some 109 minor surgeries were conducted mostly of sebaceous/tendon cyst, lipoma, cleft lip and other reconstructive surgeries.

Troops capture Abu rebel, overrun NPA camp

• Source: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideNews_mstd.htm?f=//2012/March/15/news8.isx&n=news&d=/2012/March/15
• Wednesday March 14 2012

by Florante S. Solmerin

Law enforcers scored two major hits against terrorists and rebels with the capture of a member of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Jolo and the taking of a training camp of the New People’s Army in Agusan del Norte.

The Abu Sayyaf’s Jeri Jeheron, who has a P3.3-million bounty on his head, was captured by the Special Action Force-Seaborne of the National Police Monday in Jolo, according to Police Director Felecisimo Khu, head of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations-Western Mindanao.

Jeheron, alias Black Tungkang, is among the terrorists that include Abu sub-leaders Radullan Sahiron and Isnilon Hapilon charged with kidnapping for ransom before the Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 162.

Police had been keeping an eye on Jeheron who was believed tailing a prospective victim, a Chinese-Filipino trader, Khu said.

Jeheron was brought to Manila a day after his arrest for presentation before the court, Khu said.

In Agusan del Norte, the New People’s Army abandoned a vast training camp to evade hundreds of soldiers who were prepared to swoop down on them, the spokesman of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, Maj. Eugenio Julio Osias IV, said on Wednesday.

“Members of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion arrived at the rebel camp around 2 p.m. and not a single rebel was already in sight; they left some of their important materials,” Osias said.

The camp, measuring a little more than a hectare, could accommodate more or less 500 people, Osias said. It had six kitchens, 126 bunkers, 30 outposts and foxholes, Osias said.

Maj. Gen. Victor Felix, commander of the 4th infantry division, ordered more troops deployed in the area to go after the rest of the rebels.

The area has been the staging point of NPA attacks on big businesses such as mining and export-oriented fruit plantations.

In October last year, the NPA attacked three foreign mining giants operating in Claver, Surigao del Norte that resulted in the loss of more than P3 billion worth of heavy equipment, buildings and other property.

Almost every week, the NPA launched attacks in the region against public and private companies engaged in businesses such as mining, plantations and construction.

PAWB to implement Bird Conservation Project in Lake Mainit

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R13&article=1721331619363
• Tuesday 13th of March 2012

by Arturo M. Cruje

SURIGAO CITY, Mar. 13 (PIA) -- The Protected Area and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) is set to implement a project entitled Lake Mainit Migratory Birds Conservation Project at the country’s fourth largest and Mindanao’s second largest freshwater lake, Gov. Sol Matugas said recently.

Matugas said the project is funded by the Ramsar Regional Center-East Asia Wetland Fund (RRC-EAWF) through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the purpose of wetland conservation and wetland education programs.

The project, according to Matugas, hopes to establish Lake Mainit as a bird sanctuary, determine the boundaries for the mapping of the sanctuary, prepare lake management plan and make the project under the watch of the PAWB.

Migratory birds from Japan and Siberia seek temporary refuge in Lake Mainit annually during the months from September to February. In the last annual water fowl census conducted by DENR, a total of 23,335 birds were counted with the Tufted Duck having the largest population followed by Egrets, Chinese Pond Herons, Black Headed Gulls and Common Terns.

Lake Mainit Development Alliance, which is chaired by Gov. Sol Matugas, will be working closely for the said conservation project. Accordingly, the project complements the current development thrust of the alliance which is on the conservation, preservation and protection of Lake Mainit.

Lake Mainit, which is being shared by the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte, also carries the distinction of being the deepest lake in the country with maximum depth of 223 meters. (PPDO/FEA/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Siargao joins ‘Pink’ month celebration

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R13&article=1711331341149
• Saturday 10th of March 2012

by Michael O. Conte

SURIGAO CITY, Mar. 10 (PIA) -- Siargao women are encouraged to wear pink-colored shirt on March 23 to mark the 2012 Women’s Month Celebration, according to the the Gender and Development (GAD) coordinators during a consultation meeting held recently at Dapa Municipal Conference Room.

This year's theme is “Women Weathering Climate Change: Governance and Accountability, Everyone’s Responsibility.”

Ladies from respective government and non-government agencies are expected to join actives like the "Fun Walk" around the town and "Hataw."

The women’s activities will start at 2:00 pm at the Dapa Municipal Recreation and Convention Center.

Susanita G. Tesiorna, a community builder and human rights advocate, will hold a lecture on the Magna Carta of Women and Women’s Role in Nation’s economy on the same date.

Provincial and Local executives are expected to be part of the once a year celebration. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Siargao Women

• Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/353979/zamnorte-pupils
• Saturday 10th of March 2012

by Mike Crismundo

DAPA, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte – Tourists, guests, and visitors, both foreign and domestic, might be surprised beginning next week because women here will be wearing pink-colored clothes or shirts as they will dramatically celebrate “Women’s Month.”

The women here will also show their hospitality to the visitors as the various local government units (LGUs) from the nine island towns will prepare their respective program of activities in full support to the 2012 Women’s Month Celebration.

As this developed, Gender and Development (GAD) coordinators already conducted a series of meetings for several activities on the island.

Canadian Embassy holds environment forum in Surigao City

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R13&article=1721331188957
• Friday 9th of March 2012

by (FEA/Embassy of Canada/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

SURIGAO CITY, Mar. 9 (PIA) - The Embassy of Canada in Manila, in partnership with the Chamber of Mines of Caraga Region Inc. (CMCRI), will be holding an Environmental Forum on Friday, March 9, 2012 at the Tavern Hotel, this city.

Carlo Figueroa, public affairs officer of the Embassy of Canada, said the forum is part of the Embassy's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategy for the Extractive Sector aimed at supporting the Philippines' management of its natural resources.

Figueroa said the forum will be conducted for Caraga-based local government officials and leaders of communities hosting mining projects with a view on achieving an improved understanding of the various environmental laws governing mining; fit between local environment-related ordinances and national and customary laws; and increased involvement in the implementation of these laws and local ordinances.

Among those who are expected to attend are Mines and Geosciences Bureau-13 Regional Dir. Engr. Alilo Ensomo, Chamber of Mines Vice Pres. for Environment Jay Nelson, Environmental Management Bureau Division Chief Cesar Siador Jr., Chamber of Mines Caraga Region Inc. Pres. Dulmar Raagas and Embassy of Canada Senior Trade Commissioner Karra-Lee Gerrits.

NPA rebel killed in Agusan del Norte clash

• Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/250717/news/regions/npa-rebel-killed-in-agusan-del-norte-clash
• March 8, 2012 1:19pm

by (SP-Surigao del Norte/FEA/ PIA-Surigao del Norte)

SURIGAO CITY - A member of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) was killed while several other rebels were believed to have been wounded in a firefight last March 5 in the town of Kitcharao in Agusan del Norte, an army official reported.

1st Lt. Joe Patrick Martinez, spokesman of the Philippine Army’s 402nd Brigade, said the clash occurred during a routine patrol of the 5th Scout Ranger Company at around 6:00 in Sitio Taiwan in Bangayan last Monday.

Government troops recovered one AK-47 assault riffle after the 30-minute gun battle with an estimated 150 rebels in the remote village, Martinez told GMA News Online.

He said one army soldier, Private First Class Romeo Gacascas, was wounded in the clash and brought to a hospital in Butuan City. Meanwhile, the slain guerrilla was brought to the police headquarters in the Municipality of Jabonga for identification, he added. – Natz C. Corbeta/YA, GMA News

GAD to spearhead tree planting activity in Surigao Norte

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R13&article=1721331088566
• Wednesday 7th of March 2012

by (SP-Surigao del Norte/FEA/ PIA-Surigao del Norte)

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Mar. 7 (PIA) -- The Gender and Development (GAD) focal person of the province has committed to plant trees on Thursday, Mar. 8 in Brgy. Cagtinae, Malimono, as part of the celebration of the Women’s Month.

Board Member Regina Alaan, chairperson of the Committee on Gender, Women and Development of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, said tthe GAD focal person along with the five representatives from the different partner agencies of the province will plant at least 10 trees each in the said area with the purpose of promoting social relevance, environmental awareness, and sustainability among the participating agencies.

Alaan said the activity is also in accordance with Executive Order No.26 from President Benigno S. Aquino III issued last year in support of the National Greening Program.

Meantime, Alaan is also inviting the partner agencies to join in the “Walk for a Cause” on Friday, March 9 starting from the city boulevard and culminating at the provincial grandstand for a “Hataw” exercise.

‘Nothing wrong’ with Surigao DepEd official’s memo

• Source: http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/03/06/%E2%80%98nothing-wrong%E2%80%99-with-surigao-deped-official%E2%80%99s-memo/
• Tuesday| March 6, 2012

by Vanessa L. Almeda

SURIGAO CITY (MindaNews/5 March) – There is “nothing wrong” in the controversial memorandum order of an education official in Surigao del Norte requiring graduating students to submit a tax clearance certificate as a graduation requirement, a regional official of the Department of Education said.Raul Orozco, DepEd-Caraga administrative officer, said the initiative of Dr. Evelyn R. Fetalvero, schools division superintendent, could be due to a nationwide campaign of the Bureau of Internal Revenue enjoining government agencies and the local government units to help in tax revenue collection.Asked on the process in the issuance of memorandum or circulars from the local level, Orozco said: “If the EO so expresses all government agencies within the province of Surigao del Norte are encouraged to participate in revenue generation then the superintendent of that province, in her exercise thereof of her authority, could issue a memorandum for information and guidance only (and) within her jurisdiction.”Fetalvero’s memorandum 08 series of 2012 issued last January 18 was based on Executive Order 01 series of 2011 of Gov. Sol F. Matugas titled “An order requiring a tax clearance certificate issued by the provincial, city and/or municipal treasurer, as the case may be, evidencing payment of yearly tax obligations from any requester including local contractors and suppliers of goods and services, and job applicants before issuance of official records.”Orozco added any memorandum issued by a DepEd official within her jurisdiction does not necessarily pass through the regional office or the central office. What is important is that the memorandum is not “mandatory.”“We can only encourage,” the DepEd official added.Orozco emphasized that this is the case when the DepEd is not collecting fees, including the already standard fees for the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Girl Scouts of the Philippines and the Philippine Red Cross. He said a national memorandum has been issued on the matter regarding the collection of such fees but “this is not mandatory.”He also said that if there is a strong clamor for the withdrawal of the memorandum, it is the parents and teachers who will file the petition to withdraw. The DepEd official said it is the parents and teachers’ organization that will be decisive in “recalling” the order.Orozco, however, expressed apprehension should the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) file a petition or a case against Fetalvero, noting it will “already be adversarial.”Lawyer Alfonso S. Casurra, IBP provincial chapter president, threatened to file a case against Fetalvero if she fails to recall her order. Casurra, former mayor of Surigao City, is a political nemesis of the Matugases. Casurra said if they find a student not being able to graduate because of Fetalvero’s memorandum, the IBP will file a case.Orozco said Fetalvero’s order could have stemmed from her initiative to help the local government and “in the exercise of (her) jurisdiction because there is the school board fund.”The regional DepEd official explained that the creation of the local school board as provided for by the 1991 Local Government Code specifies the relationship between the provincial governor and the division superintendent – the school board is chaired by the governor and co-chaired by the schools division superintendent.Last week, Matugas suggested Fetalvero to recall Memo 08 and the addendum covered under Division Memo Order 11 issued on February 3, 2012.Matugas further said critics should be more circ*mspect in issuing statements, underscoring the initiative of Fetalvero in the provincial tax collection efforts.The governor defended Fetalvero and thanked the latter for her support to a local initiative, which she said is meant to encourage the public to responsibly pay their taxes.“In fact, I admire her for being true to her side… her responsibility in supporting the cry of the province,” Matugas said.On Feb. 3, Fetalvero issued the addendum on the controversial item no. 3, which now states that “if parents with real properties could not pay the whole tax amount accruable for the year, it will not hinder their pupils/students to graduate.”The Iglesia Filipina Independiente Surigao Diocese called the memo “illegal and immoral” and called on Fetalvero to withdraw her memorandum.Orozo on one hand commended the DepEd official for her move to create an “addendum” to the order, saying this means that the official is “sensitive” to the woes of the public. (Vanessa L. Almeda / MindaNews)

Gov't Assistance

• Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/353354/govt-assistance
• March 5, 2012, 4:09pm

by Mike Crismundo

SURIGAO CITY – Thousands of farmers in the Caraga Region continue to benefit from the government assistance in terms of farming equipment, farm-to-market roads, livelihood and technical support.

The objective of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in continuously extending assistance to farmers in the region is to uplift the living condition and increase their (farmers) production.

The DA also helps the local government units in their respective food security programs. At present, the DA, through Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, already turned over P35 million worth of various farm inputs and implements to boost production in the region.

Surigao Norte integrates day care centers into mainstream schools

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R13&article=1721330675059
• Saturday 3rd of March 2012

by (FEA-PIA Surigao del Norte)

SURIGAO CITY, March 3 (PIA) -- Governor Sol Forcadilla-Matugas on Wednesday announced the integration of day care centers into the mainstream elementary schools in the province.

Matugas made the announcement during a medical mission sponsored by the provincial government in Barangay Rizal attended by local officials and school teachers of B. Vasquez Central Elementary School wherein she committed to put up a pre-school day care center worth P400,000 for the said school.

“Integrating preschoolers into the mainstream elementary schools would result to accelerated development of their social skills, particularly peer interactions and basic self-care tasks such as grooming, feeding and the like. It would also hasten their learning skills considering DepEd could supply them with the latest learning materials and technology,” Matugas stressed.

“The classroom will be constructed inside the school’s premises and will be available before the opening of classes in June."

School Principal Eda Equibal-Ensomo thanked the governor for choosing her school as a pilot project of the latter’s education program.

Matugas said more preschool classrooms will be constructed within this year as part of their innovations to improve the quality of education in the province.

Millions of pesos of farmers' livelihood, farm to market roads projects remained unpaid due DA-Caraga fund mess

• Source: http://balita.ph/2012/03/02/millions-of-pesos-of-farmers-livelihood-farm-to-market-roads-projects-remained-unpaid-due-da-caraga-fund-mess/
• March 2, 2012 10:24 am

by (PNA) RSV /BS/mec

BUTUAN CITY, March 1 — A total of P4.9-M worth of farmers’ livelihood projects and farm to market roads projects in various parts of Caraga Region remained unpaid until now after some P53.3-M public funds of the Department of Agriculture Caraga regional office gone missing.“This is what we officially discovered so far. P3.1-M worth of farm to market roads in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, Tago, Surigao del Sur and San Miguel, Surigao del Sur implemented by their respective provincial governments of these areas, but funded supposedly by Department of Agriculture, remained unpaid until now after the loss of more than P53.3-M trust fund of our agency discovered by my office so far” says CPA Jessica Da-an who is regional division chief of Financial and Administrative Office of the Department of Agriculture Caraga regional office here.Daan told PNA in an interview at her DA office here yesterday afternoon claimed that some P1.8-M worth of livelihood projects for poor farmers in Caraga Region already implemented but remained unpaid until now, also suffered from the P53.3-M public funds that got lost and unaccounted until now.Daan claimed it is only after criminal and administrative cases are filed against perpetrator(s) responsible in the fund mess that the Agriculture office can justify requesting for other funds to pay obligations from the Budget Department.Daan said so far no criminal cases were filed yet because no special audit report from the Commission on Audit (COA) was released also until now.While said top DA-Caraga official claimed that administrative charges were filed before Ombudsman Mindanao based in Davao City against DA-Caraga Disbursing Officer Mariza Balaba Salise, no single administrative hearing was conducted yet in the complaint filed by the agency against Salise.According to Daan, Salise went AWOL or Absent without Official Leave since June last year.Daan said Salise can no longer be located by her office. Salise’s husband Steve, a veterinarian, according to Daan also worked with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga regional office at the agency’s Quarantine Office“Personally I wanted early resolution of this issue so that makaluwag naman kami sa dami na naantala dahil sa pangyayaring ito” Daan said.Commission on Audit Caraga regional director Atty. Roy Ursal for his part told PNA in a separate interview also Wednesday afternoon that results of the COA special audit may be forwarded to the Ombudsman for filing of administrative and criminal cases by April this year.Ursal admitted he already received the Authority to re-open Accountable Government Accounts of DA-Caraga regional office that was granted last January 12, 2012 by the Commission on Audit chairperson Maria Gracia Pulido-Tan.It can be recalled that last June 27, 2011, Department of Agriculture-Caraga Assistant Regional Director Edgardo Dagala Dahino asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Caraga regional office to investigate DA-Caraga Disbursing Officer Mariza Balaba Salise.In his letter to NBI regional office, Dahino attached 71 copies of photocopies of checks from Philippine Veteran’s Bank Butuan Branch and four copies of photocopies of checks from Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) Butuan branch containing various amounts totaling to some P70-M encashed from January 2006 to May 2010.Dahino complained said government funds from DA deposited as trust funds from said banks were unaccounted for as he suspected his signatures that appeared in said checks were allegedly forged.Four members of the House of Representatives from Caraga Region now wanted to fast track the House Committee on Agriculture investigation in the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga regional office P70-M fund mess.House Committee on Agriculture and Food Vice Chairman Rep. Guillermo Romarate, Jr. (Liberal Party- 2nd District Surigao del Norte) claimed that his three other colleague-solons from Caraga Region also wanted an early resolution in the House Inquiry in aid of legislation so that lapses will be corrected and such incident will never be repeated.Last September 5, 2011, four Caraga solons namely; Representatives Romarate,; Francisco T. Matugas (Liberal Party- Surigao del Norte First District),;Philip Pichay (LP-Surigao del Sur 1st District) and 2nd District Agusan del Sur Congresswoman Evelyn Plaza-Mellana filed House Resolution No. 1687 urging and directing the Committee on Agriculture and Food to conduct immediate investigation in aid of legislation on the P70-M funds of the Department of Agriculture Caraga regional office which were allegedly illegally disbursed without vouchers and proper documentary support.