PIA - Caraga Regional Office

TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Thursday, 27 August 2026

2026-08-27T17:09:58.093+08:00

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

27 August 2026, Thursday, 5:00 p.m.

A drone view of mud covered properties following a flash flood at Trishuli in Nuwakot district, Nepal, August 26, 2026. REUTERS/ Navesh Chitrakar

1. Nepal-Tibet floods killed at least 160, thousands missing: Palace says no Filipino casualties reported

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, Mindanao Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/pinoyabroad/dispatch/1000043/palace-no-filipino-casualty-reported-in-nepal-flash-flood/story/

2. Marcos receives PLM honorary doctorate, highlights expanded access to higher education

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Mindanao Times, News5PH, NewsWatch Plus, Panay News, Philstar, Sunstar]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/08/27/marcos-receives-plm-honorary-doctorate-highlights-expanded-access-to-higher-education

3. Philippine central bank hikes key rate for third straight meeting

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Mindanao Times, Philstar, Rappler]

https://www.rappler.com/business/bangko-sentral-pilipinas-monetary-policy-interest-rates-august-2026/

4. No Facebook ban for now, other platforms may face restrictions – Palace

[Daily Tribune, Inquirer, NewsWatch Plus, News5PH]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2293571/fwd-palace-no-facebook-ban-for-now-but-other-platforms-may-face-restrictions

5. PNP reinforces security for BARMM polls; Comelec 'in full control' ahead of BARMM polls

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, RMN, Sunstar]

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/pnp-boosts-barmm-security-as-first-parliamentary-polls-near

6. Senate eyeing simultaneous budget hearings and plenary sessions

[ABS-CBN News, Inquirer, News5PH, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2293560/enate-eyeing-simultaneous-budget-hearings-and-plenary-sessions

7. The Truth Commission conducts its 2nd public truth telling

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

https://x.com/mnlstandardph/status/2092850473644785942?s=20

8. PNP files rap vs. father of Ateneo de Zamboanga shooter; DILG proposes police inspections in gun owners' homes

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, DZRH, NewsWatch Plus, Philstar, Rappler, SunStar]

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/pnp-files-rap-vs-father-of-ateneo-shooter

9. LRT-1 fixes train's water leak caused by faulty air-conditioning valve

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Times, Philstar]

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/08/27/news/lrt-1-fixes-trains-water-leak-caused-by-faulty-air-conditioning-valve/2413010

10. PH Embassy in US issued an advisory to Filipinos amid suspension of visa application appointment

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, Manila Standard, NewsWatch Plus, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://manilastandard.net/news/314784160/embassy-warns-filipinos-in-us-over-visa-policy-changes.html

Thursday, 27 August 2026

2026-08-27T16:59:47.547+08:00

3,105 Buenavista, Agusan Norte residents receive UPLIFT aid from Marcos administration

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY — A total of 3,105 Buenavista residents in the province of Agusan del Norte are receiving financial assistance under the government’s Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) program, providing additional support for their daily needs amid rising prices.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) conducted the initial payout on August 6 at the covered court of Barangay 4, with each qualified beneficiary receiving P2,000 per month from July to December 2026, for a total assistance of P12,000 per beneficiary.

The assistance forms part of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s efforts to protect vulnerable Filipino families from the economic impact of rising fuel prices and global uncertainties, particularly the effects of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The UPLIFT program is designed to provide targeted assistance to poor and near-poor families, qualified low-income workers, and other vulnerable sectors affected by higher fuel and commodity prices. In Buenavista, beneficiaries were identified through the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) and data from the Social Security System (SSS).

For Mayor Joselito T. Roble, the assistance provides relief to families who need additional resources for their everyday expenses.

“This assistance will greatly help our Buenavistahanons meet their daily needs, especially with the rising cost of basic commodities and other household expenses,” Roble said.

Most of the beneficiaries said the monthly assistance will provide much-needed support for the family’s basic expenses.

The program on UPLIFT reflects the national government’s commitment to cushion the impact of economic pressures on vulnerable sectors and strengthen their capability to cope with high living costs.

Through the collaboration of the national government, DSWD, and local government units, assistance is delivered to communities, ensuring that government support reaches families who need it most.

The program is funded through the Office of the President under the administration of President Marcos Jr. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

Thursday, 27 August 2026

2026-08-27T16:55:40.369+08:00

PhilHealth offers free prescription glasses for children 0-15 years old

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — PhilHealth now offers an annual Optometry Benefit Package up to P2,500 each patient for children aged zero to 15 years old.

PhilHealth Caraga Reachout Officer Jerome C. Bajao shared the coverage to over 100 information officers (IO) from the municipalities and barangays in Dinagat Islands during the Provincial IO Conference on July 23.

“The Optometry Benefit Package includes comprehensive vision assessments, prescription eyeglasses with standard frames and lenses, and follow-up consultations once a year to ensure proper fitting and comfort,” Bajao said.

“This package was created as a result of PhilHealth’s collaboration with the Department of Education to help address the pressing concern of children who cannot read well because of vision challenges,” he added.

Strengthening the healthcare agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, PhilHealth issued Circular No. 2025-0002, prescribing children zero-15 years old to undergo visual assessment from any of PhilHealth’s YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program) providers, schools handling visual screening and other state health insurer’s accredited facilities. They are then referred to PhilHealth-accredited optical clinics to avail of the optometric package, including free prescription glasses.

Bajao told IOs that the island province has no accredited optical clinic. However, he said that parents of qualified children may visit accredited optical clinics located in other provinces in Caraga. As of July 31, 2026, the region has six accredited optical clinics. Dano Optical Clinic in Surigao City is the most proximate to the Dinagatnons.

He is also optimistic that this facility will soon be available in Dinagat Islands, especially with the ongoing expansion on accessibility of healthcare services in the province.

Meanwhile, August is being observed as Sight Saving Month with this year’s theme, ‘See Clearly, Live Fully.’

According to the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga, Sight Saving Month is officially rooted in Proclamation No. 40, signed by President Ramon Magsaysay on July 5, 1954, which originally declared the first week of August as Sight-Conservation Week. Over time, this evolved into a month-long nationwide campaign to promote eye health and prevent blindness.

The observance aims to increase public awareness on eye health and blindness prevention, promote regular eye check-ups and vision screening, strengthen the early detection and timely management of common eye conditions, and mobilize stakeholders to improve access to quality eye care services. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands / Photo courtesy: Dinagat Islands PIO)

TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Wednesday, 26 August 2026

2026-08-26T17:16:30.608+08:00

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

26 August 2026, Wednesday, 5:00 p.m.

1. Sara Duterte: Prove impeachment case ‘with evidence, not insults’

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Mindanao Times, News5PH, NewsWatch Plus, Panay News, Philstar, Sunstar]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/8/26/vp-sara-prove-impeachment-case-with-evidence-not-insults-1045

2. VP SARA IMPEACHMENT TRIAL:

-Escudero bars senator-judges, counsels from speaking on merits of VP Sara's impeachment trial

-Escudero reminds Sara Duterte of sub judice rule in impeachment case

-Presenting Lachica in Sara Duterte impeachment trial 'unnecessary,' Kapunan says

-Asst. chief of staff: Only Duterte, Lachica knew how OVP confi funds were spent

-Padilla says Ninoy himself used alias; but Bam Aquino says he had no CF

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

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/08/26/2551964/escudero-bars-public-comments-merits-vp-saras-impeachment-trial

3. Marcos considers Robredo, local execs ‘allies’ regardless of politics

[Inquirer, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2292913/marcos-considers-robredo-local-execs-allies-regardless-of-politics

4. Chinese-backed politicians? Palace says deeper investigation needed

[Daily Guardian, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, Philstar, Sunstar]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/999894/chinese-backed-politicians-palace-says-deeper-investigation-needed/story/

5. Estrada’s left knee snapped while preparing to go to the hospital for a knee x-ray

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Sunstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2292839/estradas-left-knee-snapped-while-preparing-to-go-to-the-hospital-for-a-knee-x-ray

6. PH Air Force completes Black Hawk fleet acquisition with 7 new helicopters

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, Manila Bulletin, Philstar]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/8/26/ph-air-force-completes-black-hawk-fleet-acquisition-with-7-new-helicopters-1216

7. AFP, US, Australia hold 19th maritime activity in West PH Sea to boost interoperability

[Daily Tribune, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/08/26/afp-us-australia-hold-19th-maritime-activity-in-west-ph-sea-to-boost-interoperability

8. Death toll from Luis, Maymay, Neneng, Habagat rises to 31 [Daily Tribune, GMA News, News5PH]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/999861/death-toll-from-luis-maymay-neneng-habagat-rises-to-31/story/

9. CIDG arrests female fire officer in 'slot for sale' scheme in BFP

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, Philstar, Sunstar]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/08/26/cidg-arrests-female-fire-officer-in-slot-for-sale-scheme-in-bfp

10. Mayon Volcano spews ash Wednesday morning

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, News5PH]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2292579/mayon-volcano-spews-ash-wednesday-morning

Wednesday, 26 August 2026

2026-08-26T17:02:10.771+08:00

Dinagat Islands’ young farmer thankful to PBBM’s UPLIFT assistance

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Noli Redula, a young farmer from San Jose, Dinagat Islands, expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos for the financial assistance to the farmers amid the crisis.

Redula is one of the 156 rice and corn farmers who each received P2,235 cash assistance on August 11 from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga, under the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk Program (PAFFP).

“Kaning cash assistance magamit namo para sa labor kay dili man makaya nga mag-inusara lang sa pag-uma. Ang libreng binhi ug abono nadawat na namo gikan sa DA. So, kini pandugang na lang sa uban pa namong mga gikinahanglan,” said Redula.

(This cash aid could be used for hiring people to work on the farm because we cannot do it alone. We received free rice seeds and fertilizers from DA. So, this money will help us with other operating expenses.)

In partnership with the respective local government units, DA Caraga also facilitated the PAFFP payout in other municipalities of the province, helping more farmers increase their production despite the rising cost of farm inputs.

On Aug. 10, Cagdianao town had 362 farmer-beneficiaries, and Libjo had 1,027. The following day, 624 rice and corn farmers from Basilisa received government support under the program, and on Aug. 13, the municipal government of Loreto held its cash assistance distribution.

The Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk Program is part of the administration’s initiative on UPLIFT (Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport), a unified and whole-of-government framework to address the impact of the Middle East conflict on the Philippines, its economy, and the lives of Filipinos.

In response to the call of President Marcos, P10 billion is allocated to the program to benefit 4.17 million farmers and fisherfolk across the country, with initial payout on April 15. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from DA Caraga)

Wednesday, 26 August 2026

2026-08-26T16:57:23.138+08:00

Former DPWH field office turns over Enchanted River management to Hinatuan LGU

HINATUAN, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — The local government unit (LGU) of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur is set to strengthen the management and administration of the world-renowned Enchanted River following the formal turnover of the former Field Office Building of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Second District Engineering Office to the municipality.

Located at the entrance of the Enchanted River, the facility will now serve as the Enchanted River Management Administrative Office, providing the local government with a dedicated space for coordination, tourism activities, environmental management, and other initiatives to develop the tourist destination.

The turnover on August 20 reflected the government’s continued efforts to maximize the use of public assets and ensure that government facilities contribute directly to efficient public service and community development.

Mayor Canedo expressed his appreciation to the DPWH Second District Engineering Office for the smooth and successful turnover, underscoring the facility’s importance in strengthening the municipality’s efforts to ensure organized, efficient, and sustainable management of Enchanted River.

The initiative supported the administration’s broader agenda of promoting responsive and efficient governance, maximizing government resources, protecting the environment, and advancing sustainable tourism and local economic development.

With the facility now under the LGU’s management, the municipality aims to improve coordination and administration at the Enchanted River while ensuring that the destination remains properly managed for residents, tourists, businesses, and future generations.

It demonstrated how government resources and facilities can be put to productive use in support of public service, environmental stewardship, sustainable tourism, and inclusive local development.

The ceremonial turnover was attended by representatives of the DPWH Second District Engineering Office led by District Engineer Jerome S. Mezo, along with officials and representatives of the LGU Hinatuan.

Representing the municipality were Sangguniang Bayan Members Noel D. Ortiz and Edilberto Barrios; Executive Assistant II Ferdinand M. Barrios; Private Secretary II Ruel Nazareno; Municipal Environment and Ecological Affairs (MEEA)/Enchanted River Manager Nanito C. Bandola; and Assistant MEEA/Municipal Tourism Officer Designate Gemma Salonga Millan. Mayor Tito Canedo III later joined the team during the activity. (NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur/Photo courtesy of LGU-Hinatuan)

Wednesday, 26 August 2026

2026-08-26T16:46:55.239+08:00

Agusan Norte strengthens food production as inflation slows

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Agusan del Norte is strengthening local food production and agricultural value chains as the province’s inflation rate slowed to 11.9 percent in July 2026, from 13.8 percent in June, with food and non-alcoholic beverages accounting for the biggest share of the downward movement, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Agusan del Norte.

The development comes as the national and provincial governments continue efforts to stabilize prices, strengthen food security, ensure adequate supply of essential commodities, and protect household purchasing power. These interventions include price monitoring, support for farmers and fisherfolk, food production and distribution initiatives, and measures to improve agricultural productivity and market access, consistent with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to address inflation and strengthen the country’s food security.

Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante has prioritized agriculture and food security through investments in rice, fisheries, coconut, corn, coffee, and livestock, to increase productivity, strengthen value chains, and improve market access for farmers and fisherfolk.

The provincial government has also established three operational Rice Processing Systems (RPS) in Jabonga, Cabadbaran City, and Remedios T. Romualdez, helping improve post-harvest processing, reduce losses, increase the value of farmers’ produce, and strengthen the local rice supply chain.

The province is likewise integrating livelihood and employment interventions with food production through the Agusan Up! Plant! Plant! Plant! program. Workers under the Department of Labor and Employment’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program have been engaged in planting cacao, coffee, vegetables, fruit-bearing trees, and other high-value crops.

The initiative seeks to provide immediate employment while building a more sustainable agricultural sector that can generate longer-term livelihood opportunities and contribute to local food production.

PSA Agusan del Norte Chief Statistical Specialist Reynelo S. Magno said the July inflation rate brought the province’s average inflation from January to July 2026 to 9.4 percent.

Among the 13 commodity groups, food and non-alcoholic beverages had the biggest contribution to the downward movement in the province’s overall inflation. The commodity group recorded 9.2 percent inflation in July, lower than the 12.0 percent in June, and accounted for 69.4 percent of the total decrease in the province’s inflation rate.

Transport also contributed to the downward trend, with its inflation rate decreasing to 27.9 percent in July from 31.4 percent in June. It accounted for 17.2 percent of the overall decrease in inflation.

Meanwhile, housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels registered a lower inflation rate of 14.5 percent in July, from 15.7 percent in June, contributing 10.6 percent to the downward trend.

Food inflation in Agusan del Norte also decelerated to 9.4 percent in July from 12.5 percent in June, although it remained higher than the -2.6 percent recorded in July 2025.

The decline was primarily driven by vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas, and pulses, which posted an inflation rate of 7.8 percent in July, down sharply from 27.4 percent in June. This commodity group accounted for 45.8 percent of the overall decrease in food inflation during the month.

Fish and other seafood likewise recorded a lower inflation rate of 13.3 percent in July, from 16.5 percent in June, contributing 18.6 percent to the downward trend in food inflation.

Meanwhile, meat and other parts of slaughtered land animals posted -7.0 percent inflation in July, compared with -4.0 percent in June, contributing 17.2 percent to the overall food inflation trend.

The movement in food prices highlights the importance of strengthening local agricultural production and ensuring efficient food supply chains. Provincial investments in production, post-harvest facilities, livelihood support, and market access complement national efforts to maintain adequate food supply and protect consumers from price pressures.

The agricultural initiatives under Governor Amante also support the broader national food security agenda by helping farmers and fisherfolk improve productivity and livelihood opportunities while contributing to the availability of locally produced food.

The continuing coordination among national and provincial agencies on production, distribution, price monitoring, and market support forms part of the government’s broader response to inflation and its efforts to protect the purchasing power of Filipino families.

For Agusan del Norte, strengthening local food production remains an important part of the broader effort to improve food security, create sustainable livelihoods for farmers and fisherfolk, and help ensure that essential commodities remain available and accessible to consumers.

The latest inflation figures provide government agencies, local governments, businesses, and consumers with important information for monitoring price movements and guiding interventions that promote price stability, food security, stronger local production, and the welfare of Filipino families. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

Tuesday, 25 August 2026

2026-08-25T17:28:22.301+08:00

From isolation to inclusion: Agusan Sur LGU expands health services to GIDA town

By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The local government unit (LGU) of La Paz has intensified efforts to make health services more accessible to residents of geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), bringing inclusive care closer to communities long hindered by distance and terrain.

During the Department Information Officer (DIO) Hour segment of DXGP 89.7 Agusan FM, the official radio station of the provincial government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS), two municipal health officials shared the LGU’s initiatives to bridge service gaps in remote barangays. Out of La Paz’s 15 barangays, 10 are classified as GIDAs; several of them are located in mountainous areas with limited access to health facilities.

Doctor Mynard E. Pontillo, a doctor to the barrio, recalled the challenges faced by both health workers and residents in reaching medical services.

“When I started working as a doctor at the barrio, one of the challenges I faced was transportation. To get to the farthest barangays, it would cost me around P2,000 in fare due to the distance and the difficult road to drive. And I was not alone in that struggle. Some residents from poor families would take months just to save enough money for transportation to the nearest health facility,” Pontillo said.

To address this, LGU La Paz launched the Government on Wheels (GOW) program, a mobile initiative that brings the services of the Primary Care Facility (PCF) directly to far-flung barangays. Through GOW, residents benefit from medical consultations, family planning sessions, deworming, and ‘tuli’ (circumcision) missions, among others.

Beyond health care, the program integrates other government services: distribution of seedlings and fertilizer by the Municipal Agriculture Office, feeding and nutrition programs, free haircuts, PhilHealth registration, social support activities, and many more.

Pontillo reported that the GOW has already reached eight of La Paz’s 15 barangays.

“Through this, we aim to make the services enjoyed by residents from the town proper available to those from GIDAs as well,” he emphasized.

Leo K. Pendon, healthcare administrator designate of the La Paz PCF, echoed Pontillo’s message pertaining to inclusive healthcare, especially for underserved communities.

“We have further strengthened our priority programs, particularly in health and wellness, to ensure that essential services reach even the most remote and isolated communities,” Pendon highlighted.

Besides the GOW initiative, patients also commend the Primary Care Facility (PCF) — formerly the rural health unit of the municipality — for being well-equipped and convenient. The upgraded PCF provides a central hub for medical services, easing the burden on residents who previously had to travel long distances for basic health care.

The programs and services underscore the LGU’s commitment to inclusive governance, ensuring that even the most isolated communities are not left behind in accessing essential health and social services. (NJGD, PIA Caraga with a report from the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur)

Tuesday, 25 August 2026

2026-08-25T17:24:11.187+08:00

PIA shares strategic comm plan expertise with Butuan City planning officers, personnel

By PIA Caraga

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — By 2028, the public will be well-informed of the Butuan City Government’s plans and programs.

This was the goal statement crafted by the officers and personnel of the Butuan City Planning and Development Department (CPDD) during the August 12–13 Strategic Communication Plan Workshop held in Butuan City, with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga as its subject-matter expert.

Engineer Iris Joy M. Cañete-Galaura, acting city planning and development coordinator, encouraged participants to contribute to the design of the Butuan City Strategic Communication Plan to ensure its programs, activities, and projects would bolster public awareness, especially in grassroots communities. “Together, let us answer the significant question of what we are doing to mainstream the city government’s plans and programs.”

Engineer Jake Bonn C. Dumpasan, assistant city planning and development coordinator, on the other hand, emphasized the CPDD strategy map, which is to transform Butuan City into a great hub of opportunities that spurs and supports Caraga’s sustainable growth and development.

“We have four priority development plans, namely: Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Executive-Legislative Agenda, Butuan City Energy Development Plan 2023-2050 and the Smart Eco Butuan – all designed to make Butuan City become a smart, sustainable and livable city,” Dumpasan said.

“This Strategic Communication Plan that we will work on will pave the way for our communities, stakeholders, partners, and investors to be aware and to participate in the fulfillment of the four priority development plans,” he added.

PIA Caraga Assistant Regional Head Renelle L. Escuadro, as resource speaker, said, “A communication plan is a strategic document that outlines how an organization or team will share information, the audience who receives the messages, which channels to use, and frequency or how often messages are sent, including identifying success indicators, physical and budgetary targets, and monitoring and evaluation.

Escuadro guided the participants in providing their inputs and suggested programs, activities, and projects for the Butuan City Strategic Communication Plan 2026-2028, using the key strategies on advocacy, social mobilization, and behavioral change communication.

Under the advocacy strategy, the Plans and Programs Division of CPPD suggested rebranding the department by creating an official tagline, hashtag, and logo that will be used in official correspondence, communication support, and on its current Facebook page. It also proposed activities to increase followers and engagement on its FB page and the creation of a TikTok account to strengthen social media presence and awareness of the CPDD.

The Administrative Support Unit and Project Evaluation Unit, under the social mobilization strategy, recommended that the CPDD conduct an information caravan during the Barangay Assembly and spearhead an annual barangay information officers conference to cascade the programs and the city government’s plans.

The CPPD’s Research and Development Division and Investment and Programming Division proposed an interactive zoning map that is accessible and user-friendly to reduce land-use mismatches.

Meanwhile, PIA Caraga, as the strategic communication partner of the city government of Butuan, also cascaded the government’s Maging Mapanuri campaign to the attendees.

“As you strengthen the CPDD’s engagement in the different media channels, especially in social media such as the new barangay plaza, we have to be cautious as information pollution has become rampant in social media,” the resource speaker added. “Let us be vigilant, follow the SPOT (source, purpose, ownership and time) strategy, and always fact-check statements, images or photos and videos.”

“The fight against information pollution — misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation, is a shared responsibility. As public servants, let us support the government in this endeavor,’ she told the participants.

The Maging Mapanuri campaign, as mandated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., is a nationwide media and information literacy initiative led by the Presidential Communications Office, and implemented alongside the PIA. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)

Tuesday, 25 August 2026

2026-08-25T17:16:31.186+08:00

No barangay left behind at Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program distribution in San Jose, Dinagat Islands

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — All 12 barangays of San Jose, Dinagat Islands, received their rice allocation under the Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., ensuring that no barangay is left behind.

Funded under this year’s Local Government Support Fund-Growth Equity Fund, the rice distribution was conducted simultaneously on August 18 in all 12 barangays of the town, allowing beneficiaries to conveniently receive the rice assistance from the national government through the local government unit (LGU) of San Jose under the leadership of Mayor Ruben J D. Zuniega.

According to the LGU, the qualified beneficiaries, each of whom received 15 kilos of rice, were not recipients at the distribution event facilitated by the provincial government of Dinagat Islands on July 27.

Beneficiaries of the DSWD’s Walang Gutom Program and those who are single in civil status and are living together with their parents in one household were also excluded from the qualified beneficiary list.

Mayor Zuniega said in his Facebook video post that the LGU was proactive in collaborating with the national government so that more people in San Jose would have rice on their tables, especially with the ongoing economic crisis.

Also, Municipal Information Officer Jurie S. Mancia shared that the LGU distributed the well-milled rice to 7,413 beneficiaries with the following breakdown:

1. Barangay Aurelio with 952 beneficiaries;

2. Barangay Cuarinta with 555 beneficiaries;

3. Barangay Don Ruben Ecleo with 727 beneficiaries;

4. Barangay Jacquez with 240 beneficiaries;

5. Barangay Justiniana Edera with 387 beneficiaries;

6. Barangay Luna with 558 beneficiaries;

7. Barangay Mahayahay with 738 beneficiaries;

8. Barangay Matingbe with 231 beneficiaries;

9. Barangay Poblacion with 1,141 beneficiaries;

10. Barangay Sta. Cruz with 874 beneficiaries;

11. Barangay San Juan with 515 beneficiaries; and

12. Barangay Wilson with 495 beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, the Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program aims to empower LGUs to deliver services faster and closer to their constituents, making government assistance more accessible and responsive to communities’ needs.

It enables the LGUs to handle beneficiary listing, local grain procurement by buying directly from farmers and cooperatives, and rice distribution within their jurisdictions. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from DTI Dinagat Islands)