PIA - Caraga Regional Office

Saturday, 31 October 2026

2026-10-31T17:52:15.769+08:00

LGU Butuan conducts price monitoring for flowers, candles under Oplan Undas 2026

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The city government of Butuan-City Permits and Licensing Division (CBPLD), recently conducted a price monitoring activity under Oplan Undas 2026 to monitor the prices of flowers and candles sold at retail establishments.

For the CBPLD, the activity held on October 26 was initiated in anticipation of increased demand for flowers and candles during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, ensuring fair pricing to protect consumers during this period of high demand.

It also supported the LGU’s issuance of Executive Order No. 025, series of 2026, entitled “An Executive Order Further Reconstituting the Local Price Coordinating Council, Its Composition, Powers and Functions and for Other Purposes.”

Together with the Butuan City Economic and Business Development Department and the Department of Trade and Industry-Agusan del Norte, they inspected prices and enough supply of flowers and candles in commercial areas, including marketable items sold at the cemetery like bottled water.

According to Eleisa Magallanes, a flower vendor for 18 years, prices will increase from October 31 to November 2, 2026 due to higher logistical costs.

“Despite the increase in prices, people would still buy flowers for their dearly departed,” she said.

“However, we make sure that the increase is fair and just. Undas is a peak season for our business, so we expect higher income this time,” Magallanes added.

Meanwhile, the city government under the leadership of Mayor Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun has strengthened its preparedness for a peaceful and meaningful observance of this year’s Undas.

It also declared a class and work suspension to give ample time for Butuanons to prepare for their respective Undas itinerary.

For October 30, classes in all levels and government work are suspended at 12 noon. But, heads of offices in the private sector are given a free hand for their schedules.

Class suspension at all levels will continue until October 31, 2026. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands, with a report from Butuan City PIO)

Saturday, 31 October 2026

2026-10-31T17:47:07.441+08:00

DTI Caraga highlights consumer responsibilities at Kapihan sa PIA

By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — Attorney Ranah May G. Galon-Odvina of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga discussed the five responsibilities of consumers under Republic Act No. 7394, or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, during the Kapihan sa PIA held at SM City Butuan on October 28.

During the discussion, Odvina emphasized that consumers must not only know their rights but also fulfill their responsibilities to make informed decisions, protect their interests, and contribute to a fair and sustainable marketplace.

“The Consumer Act of the Philippines provides for rights and responsibilities. As for consumer responsibilities, the first is to be critically aware. We should pay close attention to details and have a certain level of alertness to know the price, use, and quality of a product or service, because this is not limited to products but also includes services,” he said.

She highlighted the importance of carefully examining product information, prices, quality, and other relevant details before making purchasing decisions to avoid being misled and to ensure value for money.

The second responsibility is to take action. Odvina explained that consumers must exercise and defend their rights, particularly when these are violated or challenged.

“If we are going to sleep on these rights, it will certainly work to our disadvantage. We have this responsibility to take action on our rights, especially if our rights are challenged at some point,” she added.

The third responsibility is environmental concern. She highlighted that protecting the environment is a shared obligation of consumers, government agencies, and the private sector.

“We have the right to a healthy environment. But who is responsible for maintaining it? It is us. Therefore, we also have a reciprocal responsibility to be environmentally concerned,” she said, encouraging consumers to support green practices and make responsible choices that help minimize environmental harm.

The fourth responsibility is social concern, which calls on consumers to consider how their purchasing habits and consumption patterns affect other people.

Odvina recalled experiences during COVID-19 pandemic, when excessive purchasing and stockpiling of essential goods affected the availability of supplies for other consumers.

As such, she urged the public to practice responsible consumption and remain mindful of the needs and welfare of others when purchasing goods and services.

Lastly, she emphasized solidarity, encouraging consumers to participate in consumer organizations and collective initiatives that strengthen their voices in advocating for their rights and interests.

“There are consumer organizations whose main purpose is to organize consumers to make us stronger in numbers and enable us to influence policymaking,” she told the media at Kapihan.

Through these five responsibilities, DTI Caraga underscored the importance of informed, responsible, and environmentally conscious consumers who actively protect their rights while respecting the rights and welfare of others.

Hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, the Kapihan sa PIA serves as a platform for government agencies and other stakeholders to discuss programs, policies, and services that help inform the public and promote consumer awareness. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur)

Saturday, 31 October 2026

2026-10-31T17:41:46.883+08:00

Red Cross deploys personnel, volunteers for Undas

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Cemetery visitors in the cities of Butuan and Cabadbaran in Agusan del Norte will have access to first aid, welfare assistance, and emergency response services as the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter deploys 44 staff and volunteers on November 1 and 2 as part of its humanitarian mission for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

The deployment supports the national government’s efforts to ensure public safety and orderly movement during Undas, while reinforcing emergency preparedness and timely assistance during the observance.

The initiative is part of PRC’s humanitarian response to large public gatherings, with local chapters providing first aid, welfare assistance, and emergency response services in areas where crowds are expected.

According to Chapter Administrator Alger Boter, the chapter will set up 10 first-aid stations and welfare desks, with eight in Butuan City and two in Cabadbaran City. In Cabadbaran, personnel and volunteers will assist visitors at the Roman Catholic Cemetery and the public cemetery.

To ensure effective coordination and prompt emergency response, the chapter will also establish a communication center at its office and mobilize emergency vehicles to assist cemetery visitors and respond to emergencies.

The PRC reminds the public to prioritize safety by staying hydrated, keeping children and elderly family members within sight, securing personal belongings, and following safety advisories and instructions from authorities. Visitors are encouraged to locate the nearest first aid station and immediately seek assistance in case of illness, injury, or other emergencies.

Boter will lead the operation with the support of the chapter’s Board of Directors, chaired by Doctor Joanna B. Cuenca.

Through this initiative, the Philippine Red Cross continues to provide humanitarian assistance that helps protect lives, promotes public safety, and gives families greater peace of mind as they observe Undas. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

Saturday, 31 October 2026

2026-10-31T17:37:23.010+08:00

PRO13 deploys 6,486 personnel to ensure safe Undas observance in Caraga

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Residents and visitors across Caraga can expect strengthened police visibility, security assistance, and traffic management during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (collectively Undas) from October 30 to November 2, as the Police Regional Office 13 (PRO13) deploys 6,486 personnel across the region.

The deployment supports the national government’s commitment under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to maintain peace and order, protect the public, and ensure safe and orderly travel, particularly during periods of increased movement of people.

PRO13 Director PBGen Rolindo M. Suguilon said the deployment includes 4,941 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel, 694 personnel from other uniformed services, and 851 force multipliers, including members of Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams, local government unit task forces, and traffic enforcers.

Of the total personnel, 2,099 will man 230 Police Assistance Desks situated in 194 public cemeteries, 13 private cemeteries, and nine memorial parks to provide immediate assistance to cemetery visitors.

Other personnel will be assigned to places of worship, major thoroughfares, transportation hubs, and tourist destinations.

Meanwhile, mobile patrols and checkpoints will strengthen police visibility, monitor public movement, and help prevent criminal activities.

“This deployment aims to maintain peace and order, ensure smooth traffic flow, prevent criminal activities, and provide immediate public assistance to travelers and those visiting the graves of their departed loved ones,” Suguilon said.

PRO13 also encourages the public to download the Alerto. Giya. Andam. Paglikay. (A.G.A.P.) Caraga mobile application to contact the nearest police station, receive public safety advisories, and request police assistance when needed.

PRO13 calls on every resident and visitor to help keep Undas safe by staying vigilant, securing personal belongings, supervising children and elderly companions, and following traffic and security rules. The public is urged to report suspicious activities and emergencies immediately to the nearest Police Assistance Desk or police station.

Public cooperation is key to keeping Undas safe and peaceful across Caraga. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

Friday, 30 October 2026

2026-10-30T09:00:50.984+08:00

About 800 police personnel to secure cemeteries, public places in Agusan Sur for All Souls’ Day

By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — Around 800 police personnel will be deployed to 30 public cemeteries, memorial parks, and other public places across Agusan del Sur to ensure public safety and maintain peace and order during the observance of All Souls’ Day on November 2, 2026.

The deployment will involve personnel from the City and Municipal Police Stations (C/MPS), Philippine National Police (PNP) mobile forces, and the Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (ADSPPO), in coordination with the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs), which will serve as force multipliers.

Police Colonel Romeo A. Villalobos Jr., provincial director of the ADSPPO, assured the public that police forces across the province would be placed on full alert to ensure the safety of cemetery visitors, including those returning from outside the province to visit their departed loved ones.

“We are on full alert status. We expect many visitors coming to the province. We are not only looking after those who are already here but also families and relatives coming from different places,” Villalobos said.

To provide immediate assistance, police assistance desks and first aid stations will be set u pin cemeteries and memorial parks. PNP mobile forces and quick reaction teams will also be deployed to respond promptly to emergencies and other security concerns.

“The purpose is to assist all visitors. If they encounter problems while visiting the cemetery, our police personnel will be there to help. You will also see hotline numbers posted for faster communication,” Villalobos said.

Aside from cemeteries and memorial parks, police personnel will also conduct monitoring and patrol operations in churches, bus stops and terminals, and along national highways to help ensure the safety of travelers and the general public.

PNP reminds public to observe Ligtas Undas safety tips

As part of the PNP’s Ligtas Undas campaign, Villalobos urged the public to take precautionary measures before leaving their homes and while visiting cemeteries to prevent accidents, theft, and other untoward incidents.

“This All Souls’ Day, we have Ligtas Undas. As we know, petty crimes may occur during this occasion because many people leave their homes to visit cemeteries,” Villalobos said.

Before leaving home, the public is advised to plan their cemetery visits, ensure all doors and windows are securely locked, extinguish candles and other open flames, unplug unnecessary electrical appliances, turn off gas stoves, and close water sources to prevent accidents and damage.

Residents are also encouraged to secure their valuables, avoid leaving notes or public announcements indicating that their homes are unoccupied, and ask trusted neighbors to keep an eye on their properties while they are away.

Meanwhile, cemetery visitors are advised to bring umbrellas or other protection against heat and rain, as well as sufficient food and drinking water. They should also ensure that candles are placed in safe areas and properly monitored to prevent fire.

Parents and guardians are reminded to keep children close at all times and provide them with identification or contact information in case they become separated from their families.

The public is also urged to observe cemetery rules and regulations, including restrictions on prohibited items, gambling, the use of loudspeakers where prohibited, and the sale of alcoholic beverages where these are not allowed.

Visitors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the locations of police assistance desks and first aid stations to ensure they can quickly seek help when needed.

Through the Ligtas Undas campaign and the deployment of personnel across the province, the ADSPPO aims to maintain peace and order and provide a safe and orderly environment for families paying tribute to their departed loved ones.

The public is encouraged to cooperate with authorities, remain vigilant, and immediately report suspicious activities or emergencies to the nearest police personnel or through official police hotlines. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur with a report from PTV Agusan del Sur)

TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Thursday, 29 October 2026

2026-10-29T16:28:44.682+08:00

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

29 October 2026, Thursday, 5:00 p.m

1. JBC submits shortlist of chief justice, associate justice candidates to Marcos

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Mindanao Times, NewsWatchplus, Philstar, Rappler, TV5 News]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/1007605/jbc-submits-shortlist-of-chief-justice-associate-justice-candidates-to-marcos/story

2. SC asks Senate, House to comment on Sara Duterte impeachment vote rule

[BusinessMirror, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, NewsWatchPlus, Mindanao Times, Philstar, TV5 News]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/1007589/sc-orders-senate-house-to-comment-on-impeachment-voting-threshold-petition/story/

3. Sara Duterte’s camp calls replacement talks ‘premature,’ a ‘distraction’

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Sunstar, TV5 News]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2332082/sara-dutertes-camp-calls-replacement-talks-premature-a-distraction

4. Marcos inaugurates NLEX link cutting travel time to 5 minutes; toll-free until year-end

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, DZBB, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, TV5 News]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/10/29/new-nlex-segment-from-valenzuela-to-quezon-city-toll-free-until-end-of-2026-marcos-1204

5. Marcos inaugurates EV manufacturing plant in Laguna, urges firms to invest in EV industry

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Mindanao Times, Philstar, TV5 News]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2332293/marcos-urges-firms-to-invest-in-ph-electric-vehicle-industry

6. Marcos: MVP group investing P120-B for QC-Bulacan elevated road network

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, NewsWatchPlus, TV5 News]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/10/29/marcos-mvp-group-investing-p120-b-for-qc-bulacan-elevated-road-network-1018

7. ASEAN DEFENSE MINISTERS' MEETING:

-Teodoro skips personal welcome for Chinese exec at Asean defense talks

-US War Secretary Pete Hegseth proposes US-ASEAN defense cooperation framework

-US boosts funding for AFP modernization after Hegseth-Teodoro talks

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Standard, Manila Times, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler, South China Morning Post, TV5 News]

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/344387/teodoro-skips-personal-welcome-for-chinese-exec-at-asean-defense-talks

8. BATO DELA ROSA MANHUNT:

-Malacañang: Dela Rosa's world is 'shrinking'

-No wanted poster yet for Dela Rosa as PNP continues manhunt

-No sightings of Dela Rosa in Davao region—local police

-‘Let’s end this with dignity,’ PNP appeals to Dela Rosa to surrender as ultimatum looms

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Times, Mindanao Times, NewsWatchplus, Philstar, TV5 News]

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/10/29/news/malacaang-dela-rosas-world-is-shrinking/2456907

9. Filipino hurt in Spain train crash that killed 68 – PH embassy

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Philstar]

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/344344/filipino-hurt-in-spain-train-crash-that-killed-68-ph-embassy

10. Bernardo: All of DPWH projects nationwide have alleged kickbacks

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, TV5 News]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2332245/bernardo-all-of-dpwh-projects-nationwide-have-alleged-kickbacks

11. Magnitude 5.7 quake hits Lingig, Surigao del Sur

[ABS-CBN News, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Mindanao Times, Philstar, TV5 News]

https://www.dzrh.com.ph/post/magnitude-57-quake-hits-lingig-surigao-del-sur

Thursday, 29 October 2026

2026-10-29T15:45:22.863+08:00

DOH brings life-saving vaccines to Caraga learners

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Schoolchildren in government and participating private schools across Caraga will have better access to vaccines against preventable diseases as the Department of Health (DOH) intensifies its School-Based Immunization Program from October to December this year.

The initiative supports the national government’s commitment to protecting children’s health, strengthening preventive healthcare, and ensuring learners can participate in face-to-face classes in a safer and healthier environment, consistent with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration’s priorities on public health and human capital development.

Doctor Karen Mae C. Durac, medical officer IV of DOH Caraga, said the annual program targets eligible learners in Grades 1, 4, 5, and 7, with vaccination based on applicable DOH guidelines and parental consent.

Speaking during the Kapihan sa PIA at SM City Butuan on Oct. 15, Durac explained that the program was temporarily suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and is now being strengthened to improve immunization coverage and protect children as they return to classroom learning.

The DOH aims to achieve 95% immunization coverage to help build community protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Sharon S. Coja, nurse V and focal person of the National Immunization Program of DOH Caraga, said trained medical personnel will administer the vaccines to ensure the proper implementation of the program.

Coja added that vaccines are monitored to maintain their quality and potency throughout the immunization process. Vaccination activities in identified schools will be conducted from Monday to Friday, with administration scheduled until 3 p.m.

Meanwhile, Doctor Camille Antonette U. Secote, a general pediatrician at Allied Care Experts Medical Center-Butuan and Cabadbaran Diagnostics Center Medical Clinic, urged parents and guardians to ensure that their children are well before vaccination and monitor them afterward.

She said common reactions may include mild fever lasting one to two days, pain or swelling at the injection site, and rashes. Parents should inform healthcare professionals of their children’s health conditions and seek medical guidance if they have concerns about possible reactions.

Parents and guardians are urged to coordinate with their children’s schools to confirm vaccination schedules, check their children’s eligibility, and complete the required consent forms before the scheduled vaccination. They should also inform school health personnel of any existing illness, allergies, previous vaccine reactions, or other health concerns that may affect their children’s vaccination.

After vaccination, parents should observe their children for possible reactions, follow the advice of healthcare personnel, and seek prompt medical attention if their children experience severe or unusual symptoms. They are also encouraged to keep vaccination records and follow any recommended monitoring instructions.

Through the program, DOH Caraga aims to expand access to preventive healthcare, increase immunization coverage, and help protect schoolchildren and their communities from vaccine-preventable diseases. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

Thursday, 29 October 2026

2026-10-29T15:40:55.572+08:00

Surigao Sur ramps up preparations for safe Undas 2026

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — Local government units and concerned government agencies across Surigao del Sur are strengthening preparations for Undas 2026 to help ensure public safety as families visit cemeteries and reunite with loved ones during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

In Tandag City, the provincial capital, Mayor Roxanne Pimentel issued Executive Order No. 38, series of 2026, prescribing general guidelines for the observance of Undas and activating the Incident Management Team, Emergency Operations Center, and response clusters.

The order aims to strengthen coordination among concerned offices and ensure an organized response to emergencies during the observance.

As part of the preparations, members of the Tandag City Emergency Response Team (TCERT), together with concerned offices, participated in an online coordination meeting on October 23 to discuss safety measures and assess the readiness of emergency responders.

Other local government units are doing similar preparations in the province in coordination with concerned national government agencies to help ensure a safe, orderly, and peaceful observance in their respective communities.

With more people expected to visit cemeteries and travel to their hometowns, authorities are emphasizing the importance of preparedness and public cooperation to prevent road accidents, fire incidents, medical emergencies, and other safety risks.

The Tandag City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), headed by Reyveen John Geli, has provided emergency hotlines for residents and visitors who may need assistance during the observance.

The public may contact the Tandag City emergency response team through the following numbers: Smart: 0907-299-3793 and Globe: 0956-739-5623.

Residents are also advised to keep children under adult supervision, follow traffic regulations, exercise caution when lighting candles, and properly dispose of combustible materials to help prevent accidents and fires in cemeteries.

Beyond safety preparations, Undas remains a meaningful tradition for families across Surigao del Sur.

For Nanay Fermina, an elderly resident of Tandag City, returning home to visit the graves of departed loved ones is a tradition that brings family members together year after year.

“Many Catholic families make it a tradition to come home during Undas to visit the graves of their departed loved ones and gather at the cemetery. We light candles and offer prayers together, as this has become part of our way of life every year,” she shared.

Like many Catholic families, Nanay Fermina’s family observes the occasion through prayers, candle-lighting, and visits to the graves of loved ones. These practices provide opportunities for relatives to reunite, share memories, and pass family traditions on to younger generations.

As communities across the province prepare for Undas, the cooperation of local governments, emergency responders, national government agencies, and the public remains essential to maintaining safety and ensuring a timely response to emergencies.

Through strengthened coordination and responsible observance, authorities aim to help families honor their departed loved ones in a safe and peaceful environment while preserving the traditions that keep their memories alive. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)

Thursday, 29 October 2026

2026-10-29T09:40:15.206+08:00

Del Carmen earns outstanding local governance recognition at Galing Pook Awards

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — In a historic feat for island governance, the coastal municipality of Del Carmen in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, was recently recognized as one of the Ten Outstanding Local Governance Programs at the 2026 Galing Pook Awards.

Held on October 21 at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañan Palace, Del Carmen was the first local government unit in the Caraga region to earn this prestigious national recognition for its winning flagship initiative, the Farm-to-Spoon program that addresses food security, ecological balance, and livelihood sustainability in an island ecosystem vulnerable to extreme weather events.

By connecting smallholder farmers and local coastal fisherfolk directly to the island’s growing tourism market, the program creates a circular local economy. It reduces reliance on mainland shipments, guarantees fair pricing for producers, and ensures that vulnerable households retain access to affordable, nutritious food even during disaster recovery periods.

The Galing Pook Award follows the program’s inclusion in the top 10 outstanding entries at the national Walang Gutom Awards, reinforcing Del Carmen’s standing as a benchmark for local food security solutions.

Del Carmen’s triumph reflects years of community-led stewardship, driven by groundbreaking initiatives in environmental protection, climate resilience, and participatory governance. Home to over 4,000 hectares of continuous mangrove forest, one of the largest contiguous reserves in the Philippines, the municipality transformed former illegal loggers into dedicated eco-tour guides, boat operators, and sanctuary wardens.

Building on this adaptive mindset in the wake of Super Typhoon Odette in 2021, Del Carmen prioritized disaster preparedness by establishing decentralized food networks and community-managed agricultural hubs to protect residents from future supply chain disruptions.

Underpinning all these efforts is a governance model rooted in direct civic empowerment, which has earned the municipality widespread acclaim, including the 2026 Freedom Flame Award for public sector innovation.

Del Carmen’s winning strategy is rooted on core initiative, farm- to- spoon supply chains, mangrove and marine sanctuary conservation, sustainable eco- tourism, and zero- hunger interventions.

Receiving the award at Malacañang Palace, Mayor Alfredo M. Coro II dedicated the honor to the people of Del Carmen. He underscored that this achievement serves as a blueprint for coastal and island communities across the Philippines, demonstrating that geographical isolation and vulnerability to climate shocks are not barriers to exceptional governance.

“The program on Farm-to-Spoon is about people whose community farms strengthen resilience and food security. They are empowered with social protection through community savings groups that fund dreams, sustain ecosystems, and where they collaborate for policies. Our goal is to ensure that every farmer and fisherfolk, every family who depends on them, has a present and a future to look forward to, on their own terms and based on their aspirations,” Mayor Coro said.

He added that Siargao Island continues to balance rapid tourism growth with environmental conservation. Del Carmen proves that putting community welfare, local ecology, and food resilience at the heart of local policy can create a lasting, award-winning impact.

Meanwhile, the municipality of Del Carmen in Surigao del Norte has established itself as a standout performer in local governance, earning national recognition for its innovative community programs across three separate years.

The town first captured the award in 2018 with its “Siargao It Up!” initiative, which integrated mangrove management with social tourism. Del Carmen continued its winning streak in 2023 by securing the Seal of Health Governance, and most recently, with its “Farm-to-Spoon” program, an enterprise dedicated to bolstering food security and extending social protection to local farmers and fisherfolk. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte)

Thursday, 29 October 2026

2026-10-29T09:36:51.112+08:00

Dinagat Islands rolls out Bawat Barangay Makikinabang program

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Dinagat Islands, in collaboration with the provincial government of Dinagat Islands and the Provincial Liga ng mga Barangay, rolled out the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang (BBM) program on October 26 at the Capitol dome, Barangay Cuarinta in San Jose, Dinagat Islands.

Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr. threw his support for the program to improve services to the barangay and address community needs.

“Tumong sa programa ang paghatag og pinansyal nga tabang sa matag barangay aron masuportahan ang pagpatuman sa mga proyekto nga motubag sa panginahanglan sa mga residente (The program is intended to provide financial assistance to the barangays to help them fulfill projects that will address the needs of their residents),” Gov. Demerey said.

For Provincial Liga President Gretchen Ecleo Ang, the program reflected the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving the common goal of improving every barangay and the delivery of services to the people of Dinagat Islands.

Meanwhile, DILG Dinagat Islands Director John Reyl L. Mosquito said the remarkable program reflected President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s unwavering commitment to strengthening grassroots governance, empowering local leaders, and uplifting the lives of ordinary Filipinos right down to the community level.

Funded by the Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF), this visionary Presidential assistance initiative released the amount of P20 million to Dinagat Islands and distributed it to the 100 barangays in the province, namely: Basilisa with 27, Cagdianao with 14, Dinagat with 12, Libjo with 16, Loreto with 10, San Jose with 12, and Tubajon with 9 barangays.

“Under this national directive, every single barangay across the country, including all 100 barangays in the province, is receiving a direct financial assistance grant of P200,000,” added Dir. Mosquito.

“This fund is thoughtfully split into two components: the P100,000 finisher fund, serving as a scholarship grant to five deserving college students to ensure they successfully finish their education,” he said. “The P100,000 is dedicated to high-priority barangay development projects such as essential public service equipment, disaster risk reduction tools, and community infrastructure.”

Through partnerships among national government agencies, local chief executives and officials, and the DILG, the government continues to bring genuine and people-centered public service closer to every Dinagatnon under the Bagong Pilipinas. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from DILG Dinagat Islands)