SURIGAO Today

COMELEC junks Barbers’ protest

2012-05-21T09:20:00.000+08:00

By Jun Lira

After two years of causing confusion in the minds of thousands of Surigaonon electorates, the issue of alleged ‘HOCUS-PCOS’ floated by defeated gubernatorial candidate Robert “Ace” Barbers was recently put to rest with the dismissal of his election protest against winning candidate Sol F. Matugas by the Second Division of the Commission On Election.

In its 12-page Order dated May 16, 2012, the poll body dismissed Barbers’ election protest after it found no merit or legitimacy in his pinpointed pilot clustered precincts and further found no more need to proceed with the recount of the rest of his protested clustered precincts.

Earlier, during the initial recounts and revision proceedings conducted by the COMELEC-constituted four Recount Committees (RCs), the poll body noted Barbers’ net gain of only one hundred fifty-five (155) votes from his pilot clustered precincts.

In the said Order, the Comelec made a significant finding when it said thus:
“Having said that, even if We accept the Protestant’s submission in its entirety and reject all allegations of the protestee, the protestant cannot overcome the protestee’s lead. In the twenty pilot precincts pinpointed by the protestant, only one hundred fifty-five (155) votes were recovered in his favor, assuming that all his claims are legitimate. That would be roughly 8 votes recovered by the protestant per precinct. Assuming that he would be getting the same amount of recovery per precinct with the rest of the protested clustered precinct, the total recovery would only be five hundred ninety-two (592), a far cry from the two thousand two hundred fourteen (2,214) votes separating the protestee from the protestant.”

The same Order also crushed Barbers’ allegations of election manipulation and irregularities using the PCOS machines after the poll body ruled that “the protestant failed to prove the alleged defects, malfunction, fraud or irregularities attributed to the PCOS machine and in the counting of the twenty (20) clustered precincts. All the more does this result affirm the accuracy of the PCOS machine used in the counting of votes during the May 10, 2010 Automated National and Local Elections.”

It can be recalled that on May 25, 2010, Barbers filed an election protest against winning candidate Sol F. Matugas after the latter was proclaimed as the duly-elected Governor of Surigao del Norte by the Provincial Board of Canvassers on May 15, 2010 with a margin of two thousand two hundred fourteen (2,214) votes.

Barbers’ protest was based mainly on allegations of irregularities and errors in the counting and canvassing of votes, possible manipulation of the Compact Flash (CF) cards in favor of Matugas, and the defects and possible malfunction of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machine.

A former 3-term congressman and incumbent governor at the time of the May 2010 local elections, Barbers only garnered one hundred nine thousand and eleven (109,011) votes as against one hundred eleven thousand two hundred twenty-five (111,225) votes obtained by political neophyte Sol Matugas.

The said Comelec Order dated May 16, 2012, which dismissed Barbers’ election protest (docketed as EPC NO. 2010-87) for lack of merit, was promulgated pursuant to Section 6(b), Rule 15 of the Comelec Resolution No. 8804, ‘as amended,’ and was signed by Presiding Commissioner Lucenito N. Tagle and Commissioner Elias R. Yusoph of the Second Division.

Mining firms told to clean up Claver Bay, ‘chocolate river’ by 2013

2012-04-02T09:06:00.001+08:00

By Vanessa Almeda

Mining companies operating along Claver Bay have until next year to clean the coastlines and the “chocolate river” of Hayanggabon, the House committee on natural resources declared.

Surigao del Sur 1st District Rep. Philip Pichay gave the marching orders to Environment and Management Bureau regional director for Caraga Ester Olavides, and the four biggest mining companies operating at the Red Mountain namely Taganito Mining Corporation, Platinum Group Metals Corporation (PGMC), Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation, Adnama Mining Resources, Inc. (AMRI) and Zhenshou Mining.

“Will you guarantee that after what these (companies) are doing now the water will be clear? Answer me with a yes or no!” Pichay boomed at Olavides.

“Yes, Sir,” replied Olavides, who was repeatedly cut short by the congressman while trying to explain what EMB, Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the mining companies are presently doing to address the massive siltation in the bay.

On Friday, a day after Congress went into recess, the committee concluded a two-day hearing on mining issues in Surigao del Norte that started in Butuan City Thursday in response to “complaints from the public on massive siltation, fishkill, destruction of swamps and coral reefs and other abuses caused by mining,” Ako Bikol Partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe said at the start of the hearing.

“We’re here because we want to verify reports by various media organizations, and to know what the LGUs (local government units) are doing, and what mining has done,” he added.

Batocabe authored House Resolutions 1193 and 2124 to probe into the reported massive siltation in the coastal waters of Claver.

Chocolate river

Pichay, who hails from Cantilan town which is known for its strong anti-mining sentiment, scored mining companies for reportedly turning Hayanggabon River into a “chocolate river.”

“We now have a new tourism destination in our midst. While in Bohol they have the Chocolate Hills, here in Surigao we have the ‘Chocolate River’,” he told hundreds of pro-mining participants at the Claver Gym.

The lawmaker said he will take a bath in Hayanggabon River and drink water from it once Olavides and the mining firms have cleaned it up.

Olavides said that in February this year the EMB and MGB central offices held a technical conference together with the mining companies concerned.

The conference was in response to a Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) memorandum requiring the four mining companies to explain in seven days the massive siltation in Claver Bay and Hayanggamon River.

In the said conference, the companies signed a “commitment” to remove heavy silt from Claver Bay and Hayanggabon River starting February this year until next year.

MGB Caraga regional director Alilo Ensomo said the firms have undertaken the “first step” of their commitment.

Olavides said the firms have been doing dredging activities immediately after the conference.

TMC resident mine manager Engr. Jose B. Anievas explained how they prevent siltation by conducting mining operations during the dry season.

But Batocabe told Anievas to go straight to the activities that the company has undertaken to address the problem.

Anievas tried to finish his explanation but Pichay butted in and expressed his “big disappointment” at the mining companies.

“There are four of you large-scale mining companies operating here who have a notice of violation. And I always defend you, but it is a very big disappointment because you have a siltation problem here,” Pichay said.

“Hindi ako naniniwala na kaya may (I don’t believe that there’s) siltation because of rain. It is always raining here. I won’t buy that justification,” the congressman said, adding there was no siltation in Tubay town in Agusan del Norte where SR Metals Inc. operates.

“We made an ocular inspection there yesterday (Thursday) and we didn’t find anything but here in Surigao it is (a) chocolate river,” he said.

Pichay said SR Metals has only been for more or less five years but has been able to control silt from going to the seas and rivers, while Taganito Mining which has been operating for the last 25 years has not addressed the problem.

Holistic strategy

Anievas told reporters after the hearing the companies were undertaking a “holistic approach” to address the siltation problem in the coastlines of Claver. It means the companies will implement their respective measures as well as work with each other in avoiding wastes from going downstream.

Dredging activities have been undertaken at the Hayanggabon River by Taganito HPAL and in Urbiztondo River by AMRI. TMC is constructing seven catch basins for the run-off from all its ridges.

Anievas also explained the brownish discoloration in the bay “is not necessarily” siltation based on “certain standards to be followed."

Siltation occurs if 90 ml per liter of waste is found in the water, he said.

Asked why Taganito is only acting on this issue now, Anievas said “it is a matter of enforcement by government agencies.”

He said no one paid much attention several years ago when the industry was on a decline unlike now that the prices of minerals have gone up.

“I hope they can understand that what we’re trying to say here is that the water really turns turbid when it rains,” he said, referring to his earlier explanation that was cut short.

He added the activities undertaken by the mining companies now should not be misconstrued as temporary saying “this is a continuing activity.”

Prayer protest

At the sidelines of the hearing attended by hundreds of mining supporters, several Mamanwas and some clerics from the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) and the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) held a prayer protest 200 meters from the municipal gym.

Fr. Richie Navarro of IFI said those who were invited at the hearing were mostly “pro-mining” while those who are directly affected by the mining operations were not invited “especially the Mamanwas’ who despite receiving the 1% royalty are still suffering from indignity and still the poorest of the poor of our brethren.”

“Police and some military personnel blocked us from coming near the venue even if we were not creating a noise. We went there so we can pray,” Fr. Navarro said.

UCCP Pastor Juvy Cabillo said the companies could not claim they are doing “responsible mining” since it has not benefited the majority of the people in the province and even the whole region.

Claver remains one of the poorest municipalities in the province based on government figures.

Surigao del Norte ranks as the poorest province in the region.

The Mamanwas said they joined the prayer rally because they realized that mining did not help alleviate their economic conditions but they have instead experienced military operations.

Datu Geni Calingasan of Sitio Bungogon in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte appealed to the President to help them saying the military operations have made it difficult for them to go back to their homes.

Calingasan said the royalty they received from mining companies has not improved their lives but only divided their tribe.

Joan Hukman, tribal chieftain of Sitio Palilihan, Barangay Mahanob, also in Gigaquit, said: “The royalty we received (in the past) was only a penny compared to what we are suffering now. We are still poor.” (Vanessa Almeda/MindaNews)

Businesses losing tens of millions to blackouts

2012-03-20T15:25:00.000+08:00

By Eugenio Lira, Jr.

Surigao City – Tens of millions per month were lost by business establishments in Surigao del Norte which were affected by the recurrent power blackouts which hit Mindanao for several months already until now.

Willie Gan, president of Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Inc. (SCCI), told Manila Standard the power shortage suffered by businesses had adversely affected the local economy particularly the business activity, employment aspect and the peace and order situation due to increase in robbery and theft incidents.

“The province is experiencing at least four to five hours of rotating blackouts daily due to power load deficiency. Instead of the ideal 24 megawatts daily power supply, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has only given 16 megawatts to Surigao del Norte Electric Cooperative (SURNECO) for them to distribute to the power-consuming public. To fill the power shortage, the electric cooperative has bought a daily supply of 5 megawatts from Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI), a power supply barge located in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, at a higher cost compared to the price of NGCP. This means an additional financial burden to the power-consuming public,” Gan disclosed.

Engr. Alex Diaz, maintenance distribution engineer of SURNECO, said the current power blackouts or ‘power curtailments’ implemented in the province were made upon the advice of NGCP due to ‘Generation Deficiency’ in Mindanao which reached 240 megawatts. A megawatt is equivalent to one million kilowatts of electricity.

“For March 19, NGCP only supplied about 13.5 megawatts for the day instead of the usual 17.8 megawatts it committed for the whole month,” Diaz said.

“So, for that day, we implemented ‘voluntary load curtailments’ in select areas in the province to evenly distribute the power deficiency among our consumers and keep our electric facility going,” he clarified.

Gan said that Butuan City and Agusan del Norte suffered less from the blackouts because they were able to get a ‘backup power allocation’ of 10 megawatts, plus an additional of 5 megawatts during peak seasons, from the TMI.

He said SCCI has 107 member-establishments and directly employs more than 15,000 workers.

On Friday, DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas assured members of the Regional Development Council of Caraga Region, chaired by Surigao Norte Governor Sol Matugas, that he would lobby and make representation with the Department of Energy to help solve the power shortage problem in Mindanao.

Nickel Asia, Taganito Mining, Taganito HPAL bring health care to own communities

2012-03-14T10:19:00.001+08:00

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

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

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

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

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

Grace Lee: I love Siargao

2012-03-06T16:02:00.000+08:00

By Michael O. Conte

SURIGAO CITY - Korean TV and radio personality Grace Lee has expressed her appreciation and love for Siargao Island as one of the best summer tourist destinations in the country.

In her article dubbed “’Bourne’ cast takes home fond memories in PH”, Lee said she loves the island for its diverse attractions.

“I love Siargao and how muted it is considering its diversity and beauty,” said Lee, who is gaining much publicity with her love connection with President Benigno S. Aquino III.

“The island is well loved by surfers for its international standard waves. Jericho Rosales expressed his love for this island more than once,” Lee said citing the several visits of the hunk actor in the island to experience beach life and surf the waves of Cloud 9 in General Luna town which is now recognized by international media giant Cable News Network (CNN) as the world’s 8th best surfing spot.

Lee, who is a “Korean by birth and Filipino at heart”, has been living in the Philippines for 18 years and has come to consider the country her home calling it definitely a privilege.

Gov. Sol integrates day care centers into mainstream schools

2012-03-05T15:42:00.003+08:00

By Eugenio Lira, Jr.

SURIGAO CITY-- Governor Sol Forcadilla-Matugas on Wednesday announced the integration of day care centers into the mainstream elementary schools in the province.

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

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

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

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

Matugas said more preschool classrooms will be constructed within this year as part of their innovations to improve the quality of education in the province. (FEA/EL-PIA Surigao del Norte)

‘Paper town’ shifts to agri-tourism

2012-03-02T15:29:00.000+08:00

By Eugenio Lira, Jr.

Bislig City, Surigao del Sur – This once biggest paper-producing town in the county is now embarking on a massive venture into tourism and agricultural production to prop up its declining economy as a result of the shutting down in 2009 of the multi-million dollar Picop Resources, Inc. which used to produce paper and timber products and employed more than 3,000 workers.

Keynoting the convention of the Caraga Region Tri-Media Practitioners Association, Mayor Librado Navarro on Monday said the city’s top tourist attractions included the Tinuy-an Falls, the man-made Lake 77, Mud Skim Boarding, the pearl-shaped Hagonoy Island and bird-watching which earned more than P30-million last year as compared to only P230-thousand when tourism activity started in 2003.

The convention was attended by practicing journalists from Caraga Region which included Caraga Tri-Media President Roberto Parada, Jr., Tri-Media Adviser Jaime Matugas, DxSE manager Rona Alviso, DxVP manager Judith Suarez, DxSF manager Max Tutor, DxJJ manager Jesrel Derigay, Caraga Times Publisher Ben Serrano and Dinagat News Cable Producer Tyrone Basubas,

“Normally, we recorded about 7,000 tourists monthly. But during peak seasons, it would reach more than 20,000. The three-tiered Tinuy-an Falls remains the top tourists-drawer and never fails to enchant visitors with its artistic grandeur of 55 meters in height with a bathing area of 95 meters which is considered the widest in the country and the reason it was christened as the “Niagara Falls of the Philippines”,” Navarro told.

Navarro said tourists also took interest in bird-watching particularly for ‘Sun Bird’ which is considered as the ‘smallest bird in the world’, aside from rare species such as the Silvery Kingfisher and the Philippine Eagle, among others.

“For agri-production, the city has allocated 1,000 hectares for rice farming, 6,000 hectares for multi-crop farming and has intensified its program on livestock raising and other cottage industries for our constituents. In the process, we want our farmers to become entrepreneurs,” Navarro said.

He said the city has also embarked on said project for sustainability to liberate itself from dependency on agricultural products from Davao and Cotabato areas.

Also at the convention were lawyer Berteni Causing and Edwin Alcala of the National Press Club, Rina Jaylo and Mary Jul Escalante of Caraga Aksyon Balita, Lt Col Danilo Benavides, Manobo chieftain Datu Eduardo Ampo, broadcasters Lito Ucab, Nardz Hijara, Rex Rapido, Willy Evangelio and Pinky Bee of Tandag City, and correspondents Rey Parada, Kent Goña, Sergio Maceren and Franklin Gorgonio of Surigao City.

DPWH-Siargao to construct Katipunan-Maasin farm to market road in Pilar

2012-03-01T15:14:00.000+08:00

By Michael O. Conte

SURIGAO CITY, Mar. 1 (PIA) -- To improve the inter-barangay and inter-municipal linkages for better agro and aqua economic activities in Siargao Island, the government has earmarked P5 million for the construction of Katipunan-Maasin Farm to Market road in Pilar town to be undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) this year.

“When completed, the road will serve as faster alternate route for farmers and fisher folks from the villages of Katipunan, Maasin, Salvacion and Mabuhay in transporting their products to market centers in the nearby municipalities,” said District Engineer Salvador E. Montil, Jr.

The road project will connect the remote villages to Junction Osmeña-Pilar national highway via the village of Maasin that will facilitate better access and delivery of agricultural and marine products.

The project is funded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) through Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco T. Matugas.

In Socorro town, the DPWH has implemented rehabilitation and repair of the San Roque-Nueva Estrella FMR, Navarro-Lobo FMR, and Nueva Estrella-Catansoy FMR (Phase 3) at a cost of P3 million sourced from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of Cong. Matugas. (DPWH-Siargao/FEA/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Magnitude-5 quake jolts Surigao Norte

2012-02-24T15:36:00.000+08:00

A magnitude-5.0 quake jolted the Surigao Norte Friday afternoon, but there was no initial report of damage or casualty.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the quake was tectonic in origin and was recorded at 1:42 p.m.

It said the epicenter was traced to 11 km southeast of San Isidro in Surigao del Norte.

Phivolcs said the quake was felt at Intensity IV in Dapa and Gen. Luna Surigao Del Norte, Siargao Island; Intensity III in Surigao City, Cabadbaran, and Intensity II in Carrascal, Surigao del Sur and Butuan City.

No damage or aftershock was expected from the quake, Phivolcs said.

Malnutrition rate in Surigao City higher in 2011

2012-02-23T15:18:00.001+08:00

By Roel Catoto

Malnutrition rate in the city among children below seven years was higher in 2011 than in 2010, an official said.

Based on the survey on malnutrition prevalence, 690 or 11.29 percent of 17, 381 children below 7 years were found to be undernourished or underweight in 2011. In 2010, malnutrition prevalence was 11.22 percent or 707 children of 18,517 who underwent weighing.

Florence R. Dela Cruz, city nutritionist and dietician told Mindanews yesterday she was worried over the results, as she urged other stakeholders to do their effort to at least minimize, if not eradicate the problem.

Dela Cruz said that the increase in the rate of malnutrition could be attributed to the laxity in campaign and initiatives by the city’s 54 barangays.

The results of “operation timbang” (weigh) in 2010 showed that nine mainland barangays and one island barangay occupied the top 10 list.

These were barangays Sabang 19.24 %; Silop 20.13%, Canlanipa 20.27 %; Day-asan 20.35%; Togbongon 20.83%; Orok 22.45%; San Pedro 23.97% (Island); Mapawa 25.51%, Mabua 26.51% and Balibayon 30.46%.

In 2011, SanPedro and four other island barangays were among the areas with the highest rate. These were Canlanipa 19.73%; Capalayan 19.78%; Bitaugan (Is.) 20; Catadman (Is.) 20.34; Mabua 20. 36; Cagutsan (Is) 21.05; Balibayon 23; San Pedro (Is.) 27.35; Mapawa 27.59 and Libuac (Is.) 30.67.

She said the city nutrition office aims to reduce the malnutrition rate by at least three percent.

She added they could reduce the overall malnutrition rate to at least 10 percent by 2014 with the intense effort they have exerted so far this year.

“A well-nourished [populace] is part of the holistic development. If all our people are well-nourished and healthy, we’ll be productive. In the process, our economy will improve,” Dela Cruz said.

Malnutrition is a condition of the body resulting from lack or excess of one or more important nutrients. Poverty is often cited as the cause of this problem, though the National Nutrition Council (NCC) has insisted that one can have a well-balanced diet even if he or she is poor.

De la Cruz cited inadequate food intake, poor sanitation and unhealthy environment, and inadequate care for children and mothers as among the factors.

A child is considered malnourished if his or her weight is not ideal for his or her age. A five-year-old, for example, should have a weight of at least 14.1 kilos while a one-year-old should have a weight of eight kilos based on the standard used by the NNC.

Dela Cruz added that a malnourished child is also a slow learner. (MindaNews)

Criminality decreases by 28.4% in Surigao Norte - PNP

2012-02-22T15:09:00.003+08:00

The incidence of crime for the month of January 2012 in the entire province of Surigao del Norte declined by 28.4 percent compared to the same period last year, a police official said Monday.

P/Supt. Rainier Diaz, of the Philippine National Police Surigao del Norte Provincial Police Office (PNP SDN-PPO), said last month, a total of 126 crime incidents occurred in the province. This was lower compared to last year with the total of 176 incidents.

He said out of 126 crime incidents, 85 were index crimes and 41 were non-index crimes. Index crimes are crimes committed against persons or property while non-index crimes are crimes or offenses punishable under the Revised Penal Code and Special Laws such as illegal fishing, illegal logging and illegal drugs.

Diaz said the average monthly crime decreased by 10 or 24 percent.

He cited that in index crimes, theft incidents have the biggest number with the total of 49, followed by robbery with the total of 18, physical injury at nine, murder at five, carnapping at three and rape with only one incident.

He said SDN-PPO has a crime solution efficiency for January 2012 of 35.71 percent, showing an increase of 55.47 percent compared to last year’s 15.90 percent.

Diaz said the decrease in crime rate last month was complemented with the enhanced community engagement, intensified police operations, and the strengthened intelligence and counter-intelligence operations. (FEA/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Siargao Island to host 5th International Game Fishing tourney

2012-02-17T09:19:00.001+08:00

By Michael O. Conte
Siargao Island, the surfing and game fishing (SurFishing) capital of the country, is set to host the 5th Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament in Pilar town this April.

In a report posted on www.siargaoislands.net, organizers said the tournament will be participated by anglers from all over the world.

“The town is expecting more than eighty anglers from the different countries in the world such as Japan, Singapore, Russia, United States, Germany, Switzerland and China to join the tournament,” the report said.

The tournament is the largest game fishing event in the country which has gained full support from both government and fishing clubs all over the Philippines.

The international event, which is expected to boost the tourism industry of the island, is organized by the Office of Cong. Francisco T. Matugas (1st District of Surigao del Norte), Office of Gov. Sol F. Matugas (Province of Surigao del Norte), Office of Pilar Mayor Lucio T. Gonzales, and Department of Tourism (DOT).

Siargao Island’s marine life is inhabited by thousands of fish species including marlin, sailfish, giant tuna, tanguigue, king mackerel, great barracuda, and swordfish.

Barbers, Romarate open to alliance

2012-02-17T09:10:00.000+08:00

By VANESSA ALMEDA

Will it be "let bygones be bygones" for former congressman Robert Ace Barbers and Surigao del Norte Rep. Guillermo Romarate? After a reported fallout several years back, the Barbers and Romarates are reportedly patching things up. Barbers said his family welcomes reports that Rep.Romarate is willing to broker a political alliance with them. "Nothing is impossible," said Barbers, adding that he was open to prospects of a tactical alliance with the congressman and "forget the past." Romarate expressed similar view but clarified that the statement that he was willing to offer a hand of peace to the Barbers stemmed from a question from reporters about his relationship with the former leaders of Surigao del Norte.

"Kana man gud nagsugod man na kadtong gipangutana kita kun kumusta ang among relasyon sa mga Barbers. Para kanako wala man ko magdumot kay mas maayo hinoon na. Mas maayo nga magtinabangay kita ug walay kontra-kontra," he said. Romarate said a tactical alliance with Barbers would be "within the ambit of politics." "Politics is always addition. Kun naa alliance then mas welcome kaysa magkontra kami," Romarate said. Romarate also clarified that his pronouncement was personal in nature and not a party decision. The congressman is allied with the Matugases which have established their own political party, Padajon Surigao.

He denied talk of a political rift among the stalwarts of Padajon Surigao. The "rumors" started because of the absence of Romarate during the groundbreaking of the 50-bed provincial hospital in Placer, Surigao del Norte, last month. The congressman's wife, provincial board member Myrna Romarate, came. The groundbreaking was attended by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Gov. Sol Matugas, Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco Matugas (1st District), Health Undersecretary Romulo Busuego, and many local officials.

"No, that's a very wrong interpretation of my absence in not attending the groundbreaking. My wife was there. I was not there because naka-schedule na ang conference nga ako gi-adtoan adto nga time," explained Romarate. He said it was he and Rep. Matugas who teamed up for the realization of the project. (Goldstar Daily)

Surigao Norte gov leads training center groundbreaking

2012-02-06T21:10:00.000+08:00

By Eugenio Lira, Jr.

SURIGAO CITY, Feb. 6 – Governor Sol Forcadilla-Matugas led on Friday the groundbreaking ceremony for the Surigao del Norte Provincial Training Center inside the Provincial Sports Complex along the Surigao del Norte National High school road attended by local officials and officials from national line agencies.

The lady governor was joined by Rep. Francisco Matugas, City Mayor Ernesto Matugas, Board Member Margarito Longos, League of Municipalities President Mayor Sheila May Orquina-Cebedo, Dapa Mayor Peter “Boy” Ruaya, Placer Mayor Felimon Napule, Malimono Mayor Teodoro Senaca, Claver Mayor Rosemarie Gokiangkee, Del Carmen Mayor Alfredo Coro II, Burgoz Mayor Rolito Nogaliza, Taganaan Mayor Cesar Diaz, San Francisco Mayor Simplicia Bacol, Gigaquit Mayor Carlos Egay, Sr. and Sison Mayor Leicester Fetalvero.

Also attending were Prov’l. Engineer Alwin Puno, Prov’l. Manpower Training Officer Emilio Pantejo, Prov’l. Attorney Primolito Plaza, Prov’l. Tourism Officer Yvonne Beltran, Prov’l. Budget Officer Gay Cotiangco, Prov’l. Treasurer Daisy Hubilla, Caraga Tri-Media President Roberto Parada, DepEd Superintendent Evelyn Fetalvero, Prov’l. Philhealth Officer Rodrigo Ariar and Ass’t. Prov’l Agriculturist Rebecca Bagnol.

In her speech, Matugas said the establishment of the training center is part of the economic enterprise agenda to boost income generation for the provincial government.

“We will only charge minimal fees to agencies that would like to conduct training-workshops and avail of the outstanding facilities of the training center. This is our way of helping them in their austerity measures but avail of our quality service in the process,” Matugas said.

Engr. Puno disclosed that P10-million from the DILG-Local Government Support Fund will be earmarked for Phase 1 construction of the 1,200-square meter two-storey training facility which will start next month. This will include the administration building, a library equipped with computers, a 150-person capacity air-conditioned seminar room, an 86-bed capacity air-conditioned dormitory, a kitchen, a prayer room and a spacious parking lot, the provincial engineer added.

“Gov. Sol Matugas and Rep. Francisco Matugas have committed to allocate at least P5-million for Phase 2 construction of the training center. The amount will be used to purchase the necessary equipments and install additional features to the facility to make it competitive with other leading training hubs in Mindanao,” Puno said.

Mamanwas receive potable water from mining firm, rotary clubs

2012-01-31T17:13:00.000+08:00

Mamanwa chieftain Bae Soledad Cañete receives the water pipeline from Metro Surigao Rotary President Edgar Guerra during the turnover of the P450-thousand potable water system in Byrgy. Mabuhay, Sison, on January 28, 2012. With them is Wallaby Corp. Manager Jon Felipe Agcol (right).

By Eugenio Lira, Jr.

An indigenous community of 40 Mamanwa families from the impoverished barangay of Mabuhay, Sison, has received on Saturday a P450-thousand potable water system from the joint undertaking of Wallaby Corporation, Rotary Club of Metro Surigao and Rotary Club of Brimbank Central (Australia) during a turn-over ceremony attended by local officials and NGO representatives.

The water system was officially received by Bae Soledad Cañete, Mamanwa tribal chieftain, witnessed by Sison Mayor Leicester Fetalvero, Wallaby Corp. Manager Jon Felipe Agcol, Metro Surigao Rotary President Edgar Guerra, Caraga Tri-Media President Roberto Parada, Jr., Brgy. Captain Alfredo Palin, DENR-MGB community relations officer Angie Pacillos, NCIP staffers Juralyn Lorchano and Jose Boboy.

“This is a God-given project for us. Our fellow Mamanwas won’t have anymore difficulty in securing potable water for our households. It used to be our problems for decades already,” Cañete said.

Fetalvero thanked Wallaby Corporation for being helpful to the Mamanwa tribe despite the existing moratorium on their application for mining exploration in the area.

“Aside from this water system, Wallaby had completely rehabilitated the one kilometer Mabuhay barangay road, which connected to the national highway, which was cut off by flashfloods in January 2011. It has also shouldered the salary of a Mamanwa teacher through its “Adopt a School Program,” Fetalvero said.

He also expressed gratitude to the two Rotary groups for humanitarian endeavor in helping the plight of the indigenous people in his town.

The water system has a 14 cubic meter capacity tank made of concrete materials with 350-meter pipeline, measuring two inches in diameter, distributing potable water to Mamanwa households.

Feature: Meet Mon-Ami

2012-01-30T11:30:00.001+08:00

Mon-Ami (real name Monique Shippen) is only 19 years old but has earned a reputation as a strong and reliable performer in the filipino community in Sydney, Australia. This is the result of many years of training and dedication towards becoming a top level performer.

Her mother Merlita was born and brought up in Surigao del Norte and later moved to Sydney. Mon-Ami was born in Sydney but has visited her mother's home town many times.

At fifteen, Mon-Ami began singing at Filipino community events. She began by performing in a number of concerts at the Corregidor restaurant at Rooty Hill. This included amongst others, performances with Ivy Violan and a show of her own. Some of these concerts included renditions of her own songs. She was later part of the front act for the David Pomeranz concert in Liverpool.

She has performed in several concerts at Burwood RSL produced by Sidney Perez and was in the recent Super Showtime production of Linda Bishop. In the recent FAACES awards night she was one of the principal performers.

Mon-Ami has also sung at many filipino fiestas and community events and this year was crowned Miss Wow Blacktown.

A t the age of 14, she started her association with Erana Clarke, the former voice coach of Australian Idol and X Factor. Erana helped Mon-Ami develop her talent for writing music and lyrics and they co-wrote some songs.

Over the past year, Mon-Ami has composed ten new songs and recorded them at Meshach Music, the recording studio of Erana Clarke.The songs range in style from dance club music to more thought provoking songs.

Mon-Ami has just finished a music video of one of the songs “Electrifying”that was produced by Erana Clarke. It has recently been launched under the stage name Mon-Ami. She is hoping that the filipino community will support her and not only watch the Mon -Ami video but pass the word around to others.

Eco-friendly nickel plant to rise in Surigao

2012-01-25T11:19:00.003+08:00

by Eugenio Lira, Jr.

An eco-friendly $2.5-billion nickel processing plant will soon rise in Nonoc Island after rehabilitation works of the mothballed nickel refinery will be completed following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between two giant corporations witnessed by local executives recently.

“The old nickel refinery owned by Philnico Mining Corporation will be rehabilitated by San Miguel Corporation, this year, which committed to replace it with a modern nickel plant using the electro-magnetic processing technology in extracting nickel ores. It’s eco-friendly for it does not use chemicals unlike decades ago,” City Mayor Ernesto Matugas said.

He said that on Jan. 4, San Miguel Corporation, represented by Chief Operating Officer Ramon Ang, entered an MOU with Philnico President Evaristo Narvaez where it promised to undertake payment of $300 million in back taxes which the latter had owed to the Philippine government. The same was reached following an earlier buyout agreement for the nickel plant with the approval of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, he added.

Matugas said Surigao City will soon become one of the top earning local government units with an estimated USD 25 million in annual realty taxes, or approximately P1.075 billion, derived from one percent of the $2.5 billion refinery cost. The processing plant would operate on a 106-hectare property owned by the city government, he said.

“Once fully operational, the nickel refinery will employ about 6,000 skilled and non-skilled workers wherein, not less than 2,000 of which will be Surigaonons. Businesses in food, transportation and the like will definitely sprout in Nonoc Island and will also add employment opportunities for our people,” Matugas said.

The mayor said Ang committed to give $1.162 million, or approximately P50million, for the construction of an additional 800-meter runway at the Surigao City Airport to accommodate large aircrafts and the same will be deductible from the company’s tax obligation with the city government.

Aside from Ang and Narvaez, the MOU signing was also attended by Mayor Matugas and Rep. Francisco Matugas of Surigao del Norte’s first district. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Fire hits firecracker stalls in Surigao City

2011-12-24T16:53:00.000+08:00

By: Jocelyn Ferol

Iilang minuto pa lang nang ideklara na fireout ang sunog na naganap sa may City Boulevard, Surigao City.

Ayon kay Aga Manangkiran, ang President eng Surigao Muslim Association, alas 2:20 kaninang hapon nagsimula ang sunog na kung saan diumano’y may isang lalaki na bumili ng paputok at sinindihan ng lighter sabay na inihagis sa mga Stalls na punung-puno ng mga paninda ng pyrotechnic materials.

Umaabot sa 17 ka Stalls ang nasunog at lampas P1 milyon ang halaga ng naabo. Dagdag pa nito, hinabol pa nila ang lalaki ngunit hindi na naabutan pa.

Tinukoy naman ng Officer In Charge ng Bureau of Fire Protection na si SFO3 Felipe Ladaga na umabot sa 20 minuto ang sunog at hanggang sa mga oras na ito patuloy pa ang imbestigasyon sa pinagmulan.

Dumating rin kanina sa pinangyarihan sa sunog si Acting Mayor Danilo Menor at matapos ang deklarasyon ng Fire Out ay nagpatawag ito ng Emergency Meeting nang matukoy kung anong hakbang na gagawin at kung papayagan pa ba ang mga nagtitinda ng mga paputok sa pagdisplay at pagbebenta ng pyrotechnic materials. (RMN)

TD 'Sendong' enters PH, may intensify in next 24 hours

2011-12-15T15:05:00.000+08:00

A tropical depression from the east entered Philippine territory Thursday morning and was locally codenamed "Sendong," possibly the last cyclone to enter Philippine territory this year.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said that as of 10 a.m., Sendong was estimated at 840 km east southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

In a post on its Twitter account, PAGASA said Sendong packed maximum winds of 55 kph and is forecast to move west northwest at 30 kph.

"'Sendong' is likely to intensify within the next 24 hours. Estimated rainfall amount is from 10 to 25 mm per hour (moderate to heavy rains) within the 300-km diameter of the tropical depression," it said.

Earlier, PAGASA said it expects only one cyclone to enter or form in Philippine territory this month.

PAGASA said Sendong is not expected to directly affect the country on Thursday, but will make landfall at the Samar-Surigao area between Friday evening and Saturday morning.

Earlier, PAGASA forecaster Sonny Pajarilla said Sendong is expected to stay in Philippine territory during the weekend.

PAGASA's 11 a.m. bulletin said Sendong was expected to be 300 km east southeast of Surigao City Friday morning; and in the vicinity of Iloilo City Saturday morning.

By Sunday morning, it is expected to be 295 km west of Coron, Palawan. — RSJ, GMA News

BFAR-Caraga to turnover patrol boat to Del Carmen, Siargao Island

2011-12-15T14:54:00.000+08:00

by Robert E. Roperos

The Regional Office of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Caraga is set to turnover a patrol boat to the municipality of Del Carmen, Siargao Island that will help in the conservation, protection and rehabilitation of the environment and natural resources.

During the recent interview with a local broadcaster here, BFAR-Caraga Regional Director Nerio Casil said illegal fishing is very rampant in the coastal areas of Siargao Island, which prompted them to take necessary action.

Dir. Casil also said that with the said motor vessel, illegal fishing will be minimized as they are determined to run after those fishermen who are practicing dynamite fishing and other illegal fishing activities.

Casil said illegal fishing activities tend to happen when perpetrators know that the arm of the law cannot reach them.

However, the BFAR chief of the region emphasized that authorities are determined to go after these violators to end illegal fishing no matter how far they are in the main land of Surigao City and in the region. He also called on the townspeople and Philippine National Police (PNP) for support in this cause to protect the environment and natural resources. (PIA-Caraga)

DPWH distributes Christmas ‘Bundles of Joy’ to indigents

2011-12-14T14:46:00.000+08:00

by Michael E. Conte

As part of the Department’s Christmas celebration, the Department of Public Works and Highways-Surigao del Norte 2nd District Engineering Office (DPWH-2ND DEO) has distributed “Bundles of Joy” to identified indigents of Brgy. 1, Dapa, this province.

Around 20 indigents received pre-Christmas gifts donated by the DEO employees.

“Nagpasalamat jud ko ug dako sa taga highway na waya kami kalimti kuman na pasko (I am very much thankful to the (DEO) that they did not forget us this Christmas),” said Mrs. Florencia C. Esparrago, an indigent, who was one of the recipients.

“We do this every year for the needy in the spirit of Christmas,” said Mrs. Alice T. Boncaros of the DEO Administrative Section.

Engineer Demelyn M. Castrence spearheaded the house to house gift giving activity which was assisted by Brgy. Officials. (DPWH 2nd DEO/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

NPC prexy to induct Tri-Media officers in Caraga

2011-12-14T14:40:00.000+08:00

By: Jun Lira

National Press Club (NPC) president Jerry Yap will lead the induction of newly-elected officers of the Caraga Region Tri-Media Practitioners Association on December 15 at the Surigao del Norte Provincial Convention Center.

Roberto Parada, Jr., president of the association, said the event will be attended by members from the five provinces and six cities in the region. LGU officials and invited guests will also witness the event.

Yap’s entourage includes NPC vice-president Rolando Gonzalo, Atty. Bertini Causing and NPC chief of staff Edwin Alcal.

Governor Sol Matugas and City Mayor Ernesto Matugas will each give a message on the occasion.

The officers who will take their oath are: Caraga Aksyon Balita publisher Roberto “Jun” Parada, president; Caraga Times publisher Benedict “Ben” Serrano, executive vice-president; DxSE station manager Rona Alvizo, vice-president for Surigao del Sur; DxRS anchorman John Estanio, vice-president for Surigao del Norte; Dinagat TV News program director Jimmy Jara, vice-president for Dinagat; DxSF station manager Max Tutor, vice-president for Agusan del Sur; DxJM anchorman Louie Oranda, vice-president for Agusan del Norte; Caraga Aksyon Balita associate editor Aidye Ahyn Ortega, secretary-general; DxVP station manager Judith Suarez, treasurer; Bandilyo Caraga Balita publisher Arnold Dagcuta, assistant treasurer; DxJJ anchorman Lito Ucab, auditor; Smile FM station manager Richard Grande, assistant auditor; and Bunawan FM station manager Fred Lobog, P.I.O.

Board of Directors are: Caraga Aksyon Balita editorial adviser Eugenio Lira, Jr., TV6 newscaster Willy Evangelio, DxVP broadcaster Leonardo “Nards” Hijara, DxJJ broadcaster Pinky Bee and Real Radio broadcaster Neil More. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

P88 seats for Surigao, Siargao, other domestic flights

2011-12-13T15:33:00.000+08:00

Cebu Pacific (CEB) holds an all-domestic seat sale up to December 15, 2011 or until seats last, to boost travel in the 1st quarter of 2012.

For travel from January 10 to February 29, 2012, CEB offers P88 seats to Surigao, Siargao (Sayak) and 32 other domestic destinations: Bacolod, Boracay (Caticlan), Busuanga (Coron), Butuan, Calbayog, Cagayan de Oro, Catarman, Cauayan (Isabela), Cebu, Clark, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Legaspi, Laoag, Manila, Naga, Ozamiz, Pagadian, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, San Jose (Mindoro), Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Tawi-Tawi, Tuguegarao, Virac and Zamboanga.

Hurry, book now!

DAR hands CLOAS to Dinagat farmers

2011-12-13T14:55:00.000+08:00

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) handed over Certificate of Land Ownership Awards (CLOA) composed of 95 hectares to some 94 farmers in the Province of Dinagat Islands recently.

Of the 94 beneficiaries, 36 farmers are from Cagdianao, 29 from San Jose and another 29 from Dinagat.

Provincial Administrator Ben Glen Ecleo, Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO) Jamil Amatonding, Jr. and Dinagat Vice Mayor Lilibeth Edradan led the distribution of the land titles.

In her message, Ecleo thanked DAR for its Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), which paved way for the distribution of these titles and many other development opportunities for the said province. He also challenged the beneficiaries to pay their taxes in order to augment the income of the province, and make their lands as productive as possible.

PARO Amatonding, on the other hand, said that more lands and opportunities are coming to the province. He also urged the farmers to continue uniting its efforts with the LGU to support CARP. (DAR-13/PIA-Caraga)

Airphil resumes Cebu to Surigao flight

2011-12-12T15:07:00.000+08:00

Airphil Express will resume its flight from Cebu to Surigao - beginning February 9, 2012, utilizing its 76-seater (DH4) Bombardier Q400.

The flight is scheduled to operate every Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday-Sunday.

Flight 2P 087 will depart Cebu at 12:40pm and will arrive Surigao at 1:30pm. Return Flight 2P 088 will depart Surigao at 1:50pm and will arrive Cebu at 2:40pm.

With the lowest year round fare of PHP 614, it is now more convenient for businessman and tourist to travel from Cebu to Surigao and vice versa.