PIA - Caraga Regional Office

Saturday, 10 October 2026

2026-10-10T12:13:27.009+08:00

Over P1.5B in social pension disbursed to Caraga senior citizens as of Q3 2026

By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga has disbursed P1.538 billion worth of social pension to 175,711 eligible elderly beneficiaries across the region as of the third quarter of 2026.

Jessie Catherine B. Aranas, chief of the DSWD Caraga Protective Services Division, presented the report during the Kapihan sa PIA on October 6 in celebration of Elderly Filipino Week.

According to Aranas, the agency achieved a 92.43 percent disbursement rate, paying 175,711 senior citizens out of the region’s total target of 190,095 beneficiaries. Based on the paid-per-headcount data, the total payout reached P1.538 billion for the period.

Surigao del Sur posted the highest number of paid beneficiaries in the region with 45,885 senior citizens receiving their pension, closely followed by Agusan del Sur with 45,210 beneficiaries. Meanwhile, Surigao del Norte recorded 34,054 recipients, Agusan del Norte registered 23,823, and Butuan City accounted for 18,001 beneficiaries. The Province of Dinagat Islands rounded out the list with 10,901 paid elderly individuals.

The Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens is a DSWD program providing a monthly stipend of P1,000, distributed on a quarterly basis. To qualify, applicants must be at least 60 years old; recorded in the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS); frail, sickly, or living with a disability; without a permanent source of income or financial support from family; and not receiving pensions from the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), or other private providers.

Aranas explained that potential beneficiaries are identified through lists supplied by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the DSWD Central Office, which field workers use for house-to-house validation in the barangays.

She noted that seniors omitted from the current list may have been missed during the 2023 CBMS census. Those seeking clarification on their status are advised to coordinate with their respective local government units.

To address potential gaps in coverage, DSWD Caraga is coordinating with the PSA regarding the next CBMS survey, tentatively scheduled for 2027.

“Actually, we are now coordinating with the PSA, and I understand that by 2027, there will be a next survey based on their tentative schedule,” Aranas said. “To those who are not listed in the CBMS, perhaps we will be coordinating again with the PSA on the final schedule of the survey to conduct the CBMS.”

The updated CBMS dataset will assist government agencies and local authorities in identifying and validating qualified individuals for social protection initiatives.

Aranas added that senior citizens who do not qualify for the social pension can still access alternative support programs from the agency.

“In the DSWD, we also have other financial assistance, one of which is the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) which provides support to vulnerable sectors, particularly elderly persons with health concerns. They can avail of medical assistance, food assistance, and other needs, subject to eligibility,” she said. (NJGD, PIA Caraga with a report from DSWD Caraga)

Saturday, 10 October 2026

2026-10-10T12:09:59.654+08:00

DMW Caraga distributes AKSYON Fund assistance to OFWs in Agusan Sur

By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — With the assistance of the Agusan del Sur Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PPESO), the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Caraga recently distributed financial assistance to qualified overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from the province through the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan (AKSYON) Fund at the PPESO Office, D.O. Plaza Government Center, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

The AKSYON Fund is a government assistance program established under Republic Act No. 11641, or the Department of Migrant Workers Act, to provide timely, responsive assistance to OFWs and their families, particularly those facing distress, displacement, medical emergencies, abuse, legal cases, repatriation, and other crisis situations.

It is also a core component under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) “Saving Lives” pillar managed by the DMW to provide immediate legal, medical, financial, and repatriation assistance.

Under the current AKSYON Fund guidelines, assistance may cover qualified distressed or displaced OFWs, including those affected by employment-related problems, natural calamities and other emergencies, contract termination, forced labor, trafficking, legal cases, and medical conditions. The program also provides assistance to qualified next-of-kin in certain circumstances involving incarcerated or deceased OFWs.

The benefit matrix provides different levels of assistance depending on the circumstances of the beneficiary. Qualified distressed OFWs may receive financial assistance of up to P50,000, while those affected by war, armed conflict, other extraordinary circumstances, or severe or serious illness or injury may qualify for P75,000. The next of kin of an OFW who died while in the host country may also receive P100,000 in burial assistance, subject to the program’s requirements.

“If the OFW went home due to medical reasons, that alone with the medical certificate that was issued by the doctor and hospital, he or she can receive P75,000. If they experience distress and were abused by their employers, they can receive P50,000. And lastly, for those who died and whose human remains were brought home, the next of kin or immediate family can process and claim the assistance,” said Eval Makinano, chief labor and employment officer of DMW Caraga, during the said distribution on October 2.

One of the beneficiaries, Mayrin Muanya, shared how her experience as an OFW eventually led to a serious accident while working abroad.

“When I finished my contract in Saudi Arabia, I went to Dubai for eight months. After that, I went to Qatar, and there I met an accident. I fell from the third floor of a building,” Muanya said.

Muanya expressed her gratitude for the assistance, saying the financial support would help her continue her recovery and support her family.

“I am thankful to the DMW for the support they gave me. I will use it for my medicines for my traumatic brain injury. It will also help my family and enable me to build my own business and invest in our agricultural activities,” she added.

The AKSYON Fund forms part of the DMW’s continuing efforts to protect the rights and promote the welfare of Filipino migrant workers and their families. Similar assistance has been extended by DMW regional offices to OFWs facing medical emergencies, employment-related difficulties, repatriation, and other unforeseen circumstances.

Through the coordination of DMW Caraga and PPESO Agusan del Sur, the assistance was brought closer to beneficiaries in the province, providing them with immediate support as they recover from difficult experiences abroad and work toward rebuilding their lives and livelihoods at home. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur with a report from PTV Agusan del Sur)

Friday, 9 October 2026

2026-10-09T10:38:44.919+08:00

Qualified OFWs in Butuan, Agusan Norte get P5.625M in aid for recovery, livelihood

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — For 98 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who faced difficult circumstances abroad, government assistance is allowing them to meet urgent needs, rebuild their livelihoods, and continue supporting their families without leaving the country again.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Caraga provided a total of P5.625 million worth of assistance from the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan (AKSYON) Fund to qualified OFWs from Butuan City and Agusan del Norte during a distribution activity on October 6 at the DMW Caraga Conference Hall, here.

Of the total assistance, 53 beneficiaries from Butuan City received P3.025 million, while 45 beneficiaries from Agusan del Norte received P2.6 million.

For the beneficiaries, the assistance provides more than immediate financial relief. It can help address essential needs, including medical expenses, while also providing resources that can be used as capital for a small livelihood or business as they rebuild their lives and reconnect with their families in the Philippines.

The beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the assistance, saying the support would help them cope with their present circumstances and move forward with greater financial stability.

One beneficiary expressed gratitude for the government’s provision, saying the assistance allows them to continue working and earning for their families even without having to work abroad.

DMW Caraga Regional Director Ritchel M. Butao encouraged the beneficiaries to use the assistance wisely, whether for their immediate needs or as capital for a livelihood or small business that could provide a sustainable source of income.

The assistance forms part of the national government’s continuing efforts under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to protect the welfare of OFWs and provide timely support to migrant workers who experience distress and other extraordinary circumstances abroad.

Under DMW Department Order No. 02, series of 2025, the AKSYON Fund provides legal, medical, financial, repatriation, evacuation, rescue, and other forms of assistance to OFWs experiencing distress or economic displacement due to abuse, exploitation, serious illness, illegal recruitment, war, political unrest, natural calamities, and other extraordinary situations.

The assistance also supports the government’s broader efforts to help returning and distressed OFWs reintegrate into their communities and establish sources of income that can enable them to remain productive while staying close to their families.

Before the distribution, DMW Caraga Supervising Labor Employment Officer Marissa A. Garay, RSW, led a ‘kumustahan’ or catch-up session, allowing beneficiaries to share their experiences and receive guidance on self-care and mental health awareness.

The session formed part of DMW Caraga’s observance of Mental Health Month, emphasizing the importance of seeking support, practicing self-care, and maintaining emotional well-being as OFWs transition back to life with their families.

Aligned with the reintegration pillars of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT), a whole-of-government framework established under Executive Order No. 110 by President Marcos Jr. to support Filipinos affected by the Middle East tensions, through the AKSYON Fund, DMW Caraga continues to provide assistance that goes beyond immediate financial relief, helping distressed OFWs recover, rebuild livelihoods, and create opportunities to support their families without having to seek work abroad again. (NLM, PIA Agusan del Norte with a report from DMW Caraga)

TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Thursday, 8 October 2026

2026-10-08T16:57:56.090+08:00

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

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

1. Mark Villar moves to Senate majority; elected public works chairman, CA member

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, DZBB, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar] https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/1005209/mark-villar-moves-to-senate-majority-elected-public-works-chairman-ca-member/story/

2. VP DUTERTE IMPEACHMENT TRIAL:

-Private prosecutor Erwin Matib appears in court despite health condition

-'Last minute' witness switch sparks debate, halts impeachment trial

-VP Sara defense: Prosecution should adjust, not the respondent, over witness presentation

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler]

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/vice-president-sara-duterte-impeachment-trial-updates-videos/

3. VP Sara Duterte no-show at NBI, lawyer submits affidavit

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2319747/vp-sara-duterte-no-show-at-nbi-lawyer-submits-affidavit

4. Marcos arrives in Singapore for investment, regional talks

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Philstar, Rappler]

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/10/08/2561767/marcos-arrives-singapore-investment-regional-talks

5. Remulla reimburses Isabela vice mayor for drug test

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, Philstar]

6. DOJ says Leviste not yet a ‘fugitive from justice’; Leviste intends to personally post bail amid arrest warrant, spox says

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Times, News5PH] https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/10/8/remulla-reimburses-isabela-vice-mayor-for-drug-test-1530

7. PAL cancels Manila-Riyadh flight amid Middle East tensions

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/10/8/pal-cancels-riyadh-flights-as-houthis-claim-attack-on-saudi-arabia-1233

8. DILG: 50 online ‘groomers’ linked to school violence arrested

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2319782/about-50-alleged-online-groomers-arrested-over-planned-attacks

9. No need to worry over possible pneumonic plague — Solante

[DZBB, Manila Bulletin, Philstar]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/10/08/no-need-to-worry-over-possible-pneumonic-plague-solante

10. El Niño to intensify, then peak in December—UN

[ABS-CBN News, Inquirer, Manila Standard, Manila Times]

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/10/08/world/el-nio-will-intensify-then-peak-in-december-un/2441454

Thursday, 8 October 2026

2026-10-08T16:46:32.417+08:00

NFA Caraga assures steady rice supply in Agusan Sur amid El Niño

By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur — As El Niño continues to affect Agusan del Sur and the wider Caraga region, causing losses in agricultural production, the National Food Authority (NFA) Caraga assured residents that the province and region’s rice supply remains stable.

NFA Regional Manager Leo Damole emphasized that despite the challenges of the prolonged dry spell, the agency has sufficient rice stocks from local farmers and existing reserves.

“We currently have paddy rice equivalent to 138,603 bags, of which 87,320 have already been milled. Together with our existing 97,363 bags, this brings our total available supply to 184,683 bags. Specifically for Agusan del Sur, we have 84,864 bags of paddy rice equivalent to 30,784 bags of milled rice, plus 83,823 bags of existing rice, totaling 114,607 bags. We do not face a shortage because we can procure more, and Caraga remains one of the sufficient regions in the entire Philippines,” Damole explained.

Infrastructure and modernization efforts

To further strengthen rice supply management, NFA Caraga has initiated infrastructure projects under the Masagana Agri-Food Infrastructure Modernization (MAFIM) program. It is establishing a new facility in La Paz, Agusan del Sur, expected to be completed next year.

“We will begin construction of a warehouse this year, and by next year, equipment will be installed. The facility will include four 30-ton dryers and a rice mill,” Damole said.

The facility is expected to process up to 120 tons of rice daily, ensuring faster and more efficient handling of paddy rice. In addition, NFA Caraga plans to acquire more trucks to improve rice supply collection and distribution across the region.

Support for local farmers

NFA Caraga continues to encourage farmers to sell their paddy rice to the agency, ensuring both fair compensation and a reliable supply chain.

“Our warehouses are open. Farmers may bring their rice samples for quality inspection. If the rice meets our standards, we can store it for up to six months before milling. We buy well-dried rice at P28 per kilogram,” Damole added.

This initiative not only stabilizes rice availability but also provides farmers with consistent market support during the El Niño crisis.

With these measures, NFA Caraga underscores its commitment to safeguarding food security in Agusan del Sur and the entire Caraga region, ensuring that communities remain resilient despite the ongoing climate challenges. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur with a report from PTV Agusan del Sur)

Thursday, 8 October 2026

2026-10-08T10:36:23.911+08:00

DOH ensures MAIFIP services are accessible to communities in Dinagat Islands

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga ensures residents of the Province of Dinagat Islands can avail of the Medical Assistance program for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) through its localized district hospitals, strengthening inclusivity in universal health care.

The island province has three district hospitals that function mainly as infirmaries namely, Albor District Hospital in Libjo, Dinagat District Hospital in Dinagat town and Loreto District Hospital in Loreto.

According to Doctor Juan Javier F. Garchitorena, development management officer of the Dinagat Islands Provincial DOH Office, the department has strongly collaborated with the provincial government of Dinagat Islands through the Provincial Health Office (PHO), respective municipal government units in the province, and the Dinagat Islands Congressional Office to make the MAIFIP services available in their health facilities.

“MAIFIP is not limited to DOH-run hospitals only. We make sure that this program is inclusive and implemented in the province,” Garchitorena said.

“Despite these localized district hospitals that operate mostly as infirmaries, Dinagatnons can avail of this vital healthcare initiative managed by the DOH,” he added.

The medical officer also shared that Caraga Regional Hospital – Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (CRH-BUCAS) Center in Basilisa town also caters requests for medical assistance under the program through the MAIFIP funds in the CRH main hospital in Surigao City.

“The program on MAIFIP ensures that Filipinos who are indigent and financially incapacitated, especially those residing in remote areas and island communities should not be deprived of this program,” he underscored.

Garchitorena emphasized that the program on MAIFIP is aligned with the healthcare agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and a fulfillment of DOH’s commitment on ‘Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay ay Mahalaga.’ (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)

Thursday, 8 October 2026

2026-10-08T10:08:04.922+08:00

Dinagat Islands fisherfolk association thrives through BFAR’s barangay savings club

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The members of the Arellano Fisherfolk Association (ARFA) in Barangay Arellano, Libjo, Province of Dinagat Islands continue to grow and thrive with the help of its Barangay Savings Club that turned a simple savings practice into a shared financial resource that members build over time.

The Barangay Savings Club is a regular contribution from members and savings initiative introduced by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II that encouraged members to save regularly, manage their resources responsibly, and establish a community emergency fund.

They started contributing P20 to P100 weekly, and their first savings cycle from August to December 2024 reached P68,000 through contributions that they pooled, recorded, and managed collectively.

For families whose income can fluctuate with weather, catch, operating costs, and household needs, the savings initiative created a financial reserve while encouraging members to participate consistently in managing their collective resources.

𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀, 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

According to the Dinagat Islands Provincial Fisheries Office, ARFA strengthened the practice in 2025 by increasing weekly contributions from P50 to P250 per share, raising collective savings to P160,000 by June and P340,000 by December, with 53 active members participating.

BFAR SAAD Phase II, on the other hand, continued its livelihood support on June 4, 2025, when the program provided 25 additional marine engines and complete fishing gear, eventually extending marine engine assistance to all 52 original ARFA members.

It added that as more fisherfolk recognized the value of joining an organized association, ARFA’s membership grew from its original 52 members to 67, expanding the group’s participation and community reach. “The growing membership and savings base showed how livelihood assistance could be reinforced by active participation, with members contributing not only to their individual fishing activities but also to the collective resources of the association.”

𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴

The fisherfolk association shared that it sustained the momentum in 2026 by starting a new savings cycle in January and accumulating more than P500,000 by September, while continuing to manage the changing income conditions associated with fishing.

With additional government support in June 2026 that brought 15 more marine engines and complete fishing gear, and a BFAR regular project that provided a high-density polyethylene fish cage, it opened another livelihood option through aquaculture.

ARFA shared that on August 14, it stocked the fish cage with 6,000 bangus fingerlings, marking its move toward a more diversified livelihood system that requires members to coordinate production and share responsibility for managing the operation.

Together, these initiatives allowed the group to build beyond capture fishing while continuing the organizational and savings practices established through its earlier livelihood activities.

Through collective savings, expanded membership, and diversified livelihood activities supported in part by BFAR’s SAAD Program Phase II, ARFA earned recognition during the 63rd Fish Conservation Week closing ceremony, strengthening the livelihoods of fisherfolk families and coastal communities in Barangay Arellano.

R𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗸𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱

That continuing effort earned ARFA a Gawad Pasasalamat Award during the closing ceremony of the 63rd Fish Conservation Week celebration in Butuan City on September 17 wherein the association chairperson Jonathan Ecleo represented the group and received the recognition on behalf of its members.

Ecleo expressed gratitude for the government’s support. “Thank you BFAR SAAD Caraga for the recognition, og sa tanan tumatabang sa grupo ( and to all who helped our group),” he said.

He shared that a significant part of ARFA’s recent progress came through its partnership with the BFAR under the program on SAAD Phase II, which provided livelihood assistance while helping the association strengthen collective action and financial management.

“For families in the rural barangay of Arellano, fishing has long provided food and income, but changing fishing conditions and growing household needs have encouraged ARFA to strengthen our livelihood through organization, savings, and shared opportunities,” Ecleo added.

𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱

For the fisherfolk of Arellano, this year’s Gawad Pasasalamat Award represented the shared work behind the milestones, including the members who continued saving, the leaders who guided the association, and the families who participated in activities that strengthened their community.

From P20 weekly savings to more than P500,000, from 52 to 67 members, and from livelihood assistance to a 6,000-fingerling bangus activity, ARFA’s journey reflected how sustained participation can turn individual opportunities into shared community resources.

For BFAR SAAD Caraga, the recognition therefore went beyond the assistance received, it reflected the continued participation of ARFA members who organized, contributed, managed resources, and built on each opportunity available to their association.

“Rather than measuring progress only through the assistance received, ARFA continued each opportunity through regular savings, livelihood management, membership expansion, and exploration of another source of income beyond captured fishing,” the agency said. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from BFAR SAAD Caraga)

Thursday, 8 October 2026

2026-10-08T10:03:52.637+08:00

Surigao Sur steps up preparedness as El Niño brings drier conditions

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — The provincial government of Surigao del Sur is strengthening preparedness as dry conditions associated with El Niño are being monitored and with concerned offices working to determine its possible effects on agriculture, water resources, the environment, and other vulnerable sectors.

The Surigao del Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) is awaiting additional inputs while the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) conduct a more comprehensive and validated assessment of the situation across the province.

The consolidated data will serve as a basis for the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) to identify vulnerable areas and sectors and determine appropriate preparedness and response measures.

During the PDRRMC meeting on September 30, PAGASA Hinatuan Weather Observer Rumark Leopoldo Bompat reported that Surigao del Sur is experiencing dry conditions based on the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) meteorological drought monitoring for Mindanao.

“El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall, which may result in dry spells and drought in some areas,” Bompat said.

“The dry conditions may affect climate-sensitive sectors, particularly agriculture and communities dependent on available water resources. However, provincial authorities are still consolidating sector-specific data to determine the extent of the actual impacts in Surigao del Sur,” he added.

For Surigao del Sur, the continued consolidation of data from concerned provincial offices is expected to provide the PDRRMC with a clearer basis for planning and prioritizing interventions, particularly in areas and sectors vulnerable to prolonged dry conditions.

The provincial government appealed to residents of the province to practice water conservation, monitor official weather and climate advisories, and coordinate with local authorities on concerns related to water availability, agriculture, and other effects of dry conditions.

Authorities emphasized the importance of early preparedness, regular monitoring, and timely action to help reduce potential impacts on the livelihoods and well-being of Surigaonons.

Meanwhile, as part of the province’s preparedness efforts, the PDRRMO facilitated a Drought Contingency Plan Formulation Workshop for the Carrascal Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) from September 30 to October 2.

The three-day workshop aimed to strengthen the municipality’s preparedness and response mechanisms through coordinated planning among concerned offices and stakeholders and the identification of appropriate interventions for potential drought-related risks.

The activity also sought to help the town develop a responsive Drought Contingency Plan and strengthen its capacity to protect communities from the possible effects of prolonged dry conditions.

PAGASA encouraged the communities to conserve water, maintain irrigation facilities, consider rainwater harvesting, and adopt appropriate agricultural practices, including the use of drought-tolerant crops where applicable. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)

Thursday, 8 October 2026

2026-10-08T09:59:47.066+08:00

Surigao City opens accessible, modern public market in Barangay San Juan

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — Residents of Barangay San Juan and nearby communities no longer need to travel downtown to buy fresh, everyday goods as the city government opened the new San Juan Public Market in Purok 4, marking a major step toward decentralizing commercial trade in Surigao City.

On Oct. 3, Vice Mayor Alfonso Casurra led the ceremonial opening and ribbon-cutting for the market, along with Punong Barangay Soledito S. Monteros and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, community leaders, and local vendors.

During the ceremony, Vice Mayor Casurra emphasised the city administration’s commitment to delivering accessible public services and creating equitable economic opportunities across all barangays. “The establishment of the San Juan Public Market directly aligns with Surigao City’s policy to decentralise public markets across outer barangays.”

Located strategically in Purok 4, the modern facility features 40 fully occupied stalls offering a variety of local goods, including fresh fish, vegetables, meats, and dry goods.

“The 40 stalls provided a reliable revenue platform for micro-vendors, giving small agribusinesses and fishmongers direct access to neighbourhood buyers.” Vice Mayor Casurra said.

He also added that the new market gives local micro-vendors a clean, permanent space to operate while making essential items accessible right within the neighbourhood.

The barangay officials also highlighted the core benefits of this new public market, such as bringing commercial centres closer to residential zones, in which the city aims to reduce daily commuter volume and vehicle congestion heading toward the central market, and families living in Barangay San Juan and neighbouring areas can now save both time and fare, buying fresh produce right in their home community.

For her part, Nanay Flora, a resident of the barangay, shared that for a long time, many in the community looked forward to having a modern, clean, and accessible space where local vendors could thrive, and residents could easily buy fresh and affordable necessities.

“The new market not only makes buying fish, vegetables and other agricultural products far more convenient for families like ours, but it also gives our homegrown vendors and small business owners the dignified, reliable platform they deserve to support their livelihoods,” she said.

The opening of San Juan Public Market is part of the city government’s efforts, under the leadership of Mayor Paul Dumlao, to provide projects and facilities that deliver closer, easier, and more practical services to every community in the city.

With vendors officially set up and serving customers, the San Juan Public Market is expected to become a bustling hub of commerce and community activity. This vibrant marketplace will provide residents with fresh, affordable daily essentials while empowering local merchants and farmers to showcase their products.

Beyond driving economic growth, the modernized facility serves as a clean, organised, and welcoming public space that strengthens neighbourhood ties and uplifts the city’s overall commercial landscape. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from Surigao City-PIO)

Thursday, 8 October 2026

2026-10-08T09:56:16.544+08:00

DENR-MGB drives sustainable, resilient resource management at Caraga Mining Summit

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — Key stakeholders from the government, mining sector, and local communities in Caraga gathered in Surigao City for the annual Caraga Mining Summit with the theme, “Mining with Integrity: Transforming Challenges Into Opportunities for a Resilient Future.”

Held on October 1, the engagement underscored the critical balance between responsible mineral resource development, environmental stewardship, and community resilience in Caraga—widely recognized as the mining capital of the Philippines.

According to MGB, distinguished leaders from the national and regional offices guided the day’s discourse, highlighting government strategies for ethical resource development led by DENR Assistant Secretary for Mining Concerns Michael V. Cabalda, MGB Central Office Director Larry Heradez, MGB Caraga Director Glenn Suante, Caraga Mine Environmental Management Council (CREDO) President Rudilyn H. Velasco, and Chamber of Mines of Caraga Region President Francisco J. Arañes Jr.

Spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB), the summit’s discussions focused on adopting sustainable practices, strengthening regulatory compliance, and driving innovation to address evolving environmental and economic challenges facing the sector.

The summit featured panel sessions, technical presentations, and interactive dialogues focused on modernizing environmental management systems, enhancing safety protocols, and deepening community engagement initiatives.

Key speakers also emphasized that operational integrity remains non-negotiable to ensure that the economic gains of mining contribute to long-term regional stability and environmental safety.

”Mining with integrity is not merely an operational standard; it is our commitment to future generations,” the DENR officials said during the discussion proper.

They added that by confronting climate and market challenges, we can transform traditional obstacles into scalable opportunities that foster sustainable development across the Caraga region.

The summit concluded with the participants from different mining industries reaffirming their commitment to unified action, establishing actionable steps toward a resilient, responsible, and future-ready mining industry.

The MGB, an executive agency under the DENR, is responsible for conservation, management, development, and proper use of the country’s mineral resources, including those in reservations and watershed areas. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte)