PGAS employees oriented with PCOS
PPIO | February, 2010
Provincial officials and employees in the province are recently oriented with the new Precinct Count Optical Scanner (PCOS) held at the provincial Training Center, Government Center, Prosperidad.
The said briefing and orientation was made thru the effort of Provincial COMELEC officer Atty. Francisco Pobe with the assistance of the Provincial Government headed by the present Governor Maria Valentina G. Plaza and Provincial Administrator Jesusimo L. Ronquillo.
The activity aims to orient the provincial employees with the new machine in preparation for the upcoming full automation election this May 2010. The system is designed to scan marked paper ballots, interpret the voter marks, tabulate each vote, and store safely each ballot.
According to the COMELEC officer, PCOS is positioned in the voting location on top of a ballot box and will receive marked paper ballots during voting hours. The unit scans paper ballots as they are inserted into the machine and tabulates results of those ballots. The unit also prints election returns showing the tabulated results and automatically transmits the results to the servers of the City/Municipal Board of Canvassers, dominant majority and minority party, accredited citizens' arm and KBP, and to the central server as per Comelec Resolution No. xxx Sec. 10.a.
Members of the Provincial Legislators thru Vice Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr. and Jaime Raymund "Jimbo" Plaza Carlos, Chief of Staff also attended in the orientation.
Chief of Staff Jaime Raymund P. Carlos observes the operation of the Precinct Count Optical Scanner (PCOS) for the recently held orientation and briefing of the machine which will be used for the upcoming full automated election this May 2010.
PGAS extends Farm Equipments to farmers
PPIO | February 18, 2010
Thru the relentless effort of Provincial Governor Maria Valentina G. Plaza, briefing and turn-over of farm equipments is made recently here in the province with source coming form the Prepayment of Pre and Post Harvest Facilities.
Components of the equipment include hundred rice drum seeders and a hundred of knapsack sprayers to the different recipients as per rice cluster municipality like Bayugan with 30 units, Esperanza 15 units, Talacogon 20 units, Prosperidad 10 units, San Francisco 5 units, Bunawan 5 units, trento 5 units, Sta. Josefa 9 units and a unit for the Provincial Agriculture Office.
The recipients acquire also the actual demo and lecture on the direct-seeding technology, operation, care and maintenance of rice drum seeders thru the effort of the AED staff and Philrice.
With this, farmer beneficiaries had been so thankful for the resources provided by the government which could greatly help in their livelihood.
According to the Provincial Agriculture Engineering Services (PAES), guidelines in the identification of recipients of farm equipments includes farmers who are willing to and/or already adopting direct-seeding method of planting, prioritizing those graduaates of Farm's Field School. Others qualified include farmer's organization/cooperative or those farmers willing to avail and amortize fifty percent (50%) of the total amount of the equipments in one year term or 2 cropping seasons.
The turn over was graced by no less than the Provincial Governor Maria Valentina G. Plaza and a MOA signing was executed between the Provincial Government, Municipal Local Government Unit and the recepients.
14 villages affected in recent flood in Agusan Sur
Edwin S. Fuentes | January 21, 2010
Due to continue heavy down pour since January 10, fourteen villages of this province reportedly affected of flood that immediately struck low lying areas of San Francisco and Prosperidad towns
Local Disaster Coordinating Council (LDCC) reported seven villages affected in San Francisco, namely: the Brgy. Tagapua, Borbon, Ebro, Caimpugan, Buenasuerte, Brgy I, and Sta. Ana. While in Prosperidad town, affected areas are the villages Brgy. La Caridad, San Pedro, Napo, Lucena, Aurora, La Swerte, Las Navas, San Vicente, Mapaga, and Brgy. Patin- ay.
A total of 5,549 families or 26,234 persons affected after a flood waters engulfed the most affected areas of this town.
Two persons were reportedly drowned to death identified as Lovely Lamery Y. Agunos, 9 and Jalyn Encarnacion Y. Noja, 11 swept away on January 17, 2010 by the strong current of flood waters while on board of raft in a remote place of village Tagapua, San Francisco town. The victim's bodies were found by the responding residents of said village on the same date.
The Provincial Disaster Management Council (PDMC) has already dispatched Search and Rescue team with rubber boats and vehicles down to the affected villages. The Local Disaster Coordinating Council also would conduct actual assessment of the damages and relief operation in their respective (AOR) area of responsibility. (With report from the PDMC)
Officialdom, provincial media workers of Agusan del Sur condole on Sec Cerge Remonde's death
RG Domingo | January 20, 2010
The Press Czar of Malacanan Palace has become a good friend of the province officialdom when Secretary Remonde facilitated smoothly the establishment and putting up of the Provincial Television station in partnership with PTNI-NBN. He even personally graced the historic MOA signing between the provincial government and the National Broadcasting Network last November 9, 2009, held in Butuan City. Secretary Cerge, after the MOA had expressed his excitement to Governor Tina Plaza and provincial officials that he will be visiting again Agusan del Sur just to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Provincial TV Station in Patin-ay, Prosperidad early this year. But, it is unfortunate that Secretary Cerge could no longer realize that desire. He passed away last January 19, 2010 in his residence in Bel-Air Village Makati City due to cardiac arrest.
Meanwhile, the province's Public Information chief Alfredo V. Plaza, Jr., who is also a current KBP President of Agusan del Sur-Bislig City, Surigao Del Sur Chapter, and in behalf of all provincial media workers had already sent and expressed sympathy to the family over the demise of Secretary Remonde. He said that while Governor Tina Plaza and some provincial officials are in official travel, they would take a chance to visit and pay honor to the late Press Secretary in Cebu City, or in Malacanan, Manila.
The Provincial Public Information Chief further added that earlier upon knowing the sudden death of Secretary Cerge, the officialdom and provincial media workers had immediately send their e-mails of condolences and sympathy to his bereaved family, friends and colleagues.
The late Press Secretary Remonde was elected for six terms as President of the prestigious KBP organization of the country, worked as an executive director of government-owned radio and television facilities, served as undersecretary, press assistant secretary, and all the rest became history before he rose in national fame. His solidarity to press and being friendly amidst criticicisms while in service has given him a respect, becomes a role model that the young generation in media industry would emulate.
Agsur establishes Food Depot Terminal accessible to farmers
Jerose M. Nebato | January 21, 2010
In line with Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) of Republic Act 8435 under the Department of Agriculture's Goal 2 Program, specifically addressing the five (5) major concerns like Food Security, Poverty Alleviation and Social Equity, Income Enhancement and Profitability of Farm and Global Competitiveness and Sustainability, the provincial government under the present able leadership of Governor Tina Plaza has recently established the Barangay Bagsakan Terminal, also known as Food Depot Terminal; thru the Patin-ay Farmers Association in Prosperidad town.
The Food Depot Terminal, solely operated by the farmers, with complete amenities such weighing scales, modern food storages, freezers, water facilities has the capacity to cater various agri-products from nearby villages. The project is designed purposely to eliminate the middlemen in the farm to consumer food supply chain, thereby offering low-priced or affordable and quality food products such as meat, poultry, fresh vegetables and fruits from farms. Besides of ensuring stable, fair price of said food supplies and other commodities, the terminal develops alternative market to farm's produce and eventually increases the farmers' income.
With her incessant desire to help alleviate the farmers' income, Governor Maria Valentina G. Plaza released an allocation amounting to P 325,000 from the provincial coffers with counterparts of funds also from municipal, barangay, Department of Agriculture, thru National Agribusiness Corporation, the project has successfully been realized.
In his message, Pastor Sergio M. de Jesus, Farmers Association President has been so grateful for the livelihood project shared to them by the government and adding with a promise that they will give enough care and attention to it.
The Barangay Bagsakan (BB) is one of the priority projects of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo through the Department of Agriculture as the coordinating agency and Local Government Units as the implementing agency.
The new Food Depot Terminal in Prosperidad, being the first established would become a model of all other food terminals soon to be recognized to other strategic villages of the 14 towns of the province.
Big Three in Agusan del Sur are now set for 2010
Jerose M. Nebato | January 15,2010
The Plaza family will still continue to hold the reign of political power in the gold and timber-rich province of Caraga Region.
"We just want to serve the public and continue the legacy of our parents"; former governor Eddie Bong Plaza said, who, the emerging leader of the political siblings is now staging a political comeback for governor after he surprisingly cut short his stint as the province's chief executive in the 2007 elections. Meanwhile, her sister incumbent Governor Tina Plaza who seeks a seat for the 1st congressional district and another sister, Bebs Plaza Mellana who bids a seat for the 2nd congressional district, have definitely declare their candidacy after filing certificates of candidacy in the Commission on Election of the Province last December 5,2009.
Incumbent Governor Tina Plaza is stepping down from capitol to give way to Eddiebong's comeback.
However, Bebs Plaza Mellana admitted that she is learning the ropes of politics as Election Day approaches. But she said that they will just campaign to earn the people's votes by way of presenting their qualifications and platform of governance. She also revealed that during the incumbency of her father she was told to focus in rearing her own businesses and to establish first her own economic base before waging an expensive political war.
The Plaza siblings, now, considered as the big three of the Agusan del Sur politics are scions of the late legendary Manobo leader, Democrito O. Plaza, a former governor, congressman, and a stateman.
68M Corn Processing Plant in AgSur opens
Jerose M. Nebato - PPIO | January 14, 2010
AGUSAN DEL SUR Thousands of Agusanon witnessed the opening of a 68 million corn processing plant recently graced by Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal Arroyo situated at Pagkain ng Bayan, Brgy. Mabuhay, Bayugan together with Provincial Governor Maria Valentina G. Plaza, Former Governor Eddie bong Plaza, and all other local and provincial officials.
The inauguration was then followed by a distribution of 2,500 certificates to farmers coming from the different municipalities who graduated on agri-farming seminar and received free farming courses from the province Agricultural Training Institute. During the inauguration, President Arroyo also handed over farming equipments including 18 corn shredders to the Hon. Governor Maria Valentina G. Plaza worth PHp 6 million through the Department of Agriculture. In her short message, Arroyo expressed that with the presence of this modern post harvest plant, illegal logging in the mountains of Agusan del Sur will end.
The corn processing plant is a joint venture of the Department of Agriculture and the National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR) that provided PHp 5 million of working capital and another PHp 20 million for the machineries and equipments which aim to provide livelihood and increase quality corn production in the area. While the provincial government provided infrastructure needs amounting to more than PHp 42 million to realize the said farmers multi- facility.
The activities in the plant includes buying of corn cobs, processing to corn-on-cob drying, shelling and grains drying, selling of corn grains and production of corn grain.
This plant will also ensure continuous supply of guaranteed premium quality of corn in the province, Plaza said.
200 Inmates benefit Gov Tina Plaza Health Caravan
By Jerose Nebato | January 13, 2010
More than two hundred inmates have benefited the free medical, dental, and minor surgical caravan of Governor Maria Valentina G. Plaza held recently at the Mess Hall of the Provincial Correctional Services Office of the province.
The MVGP Health Care Caravan, a continuous activity of the province aims to bring the government closer to the people (Serbisyong Pangkalusugan Para sa katawhan) by providing free services to the Agusanons who suffer from any health problems especially the indigent constituents.
For the first month of this year, Tina Caravan has served more than 200 inmates including their families who at that time visited their family in prison and acquired the benefits of free health check-up and medicines.
The inmate beneficiaries through Provincial Warden, Gilbert O. Ga, had been so thankful for the chance given to them especially to the inmates for the free health services including the blood letting activity.
Vice Governor Santiago B. Cane said, "paningkamutan gayud sa panggamhanang probinsyal nga mahatagan ug pagtagad ang mga inmates sa lalawigan pinaagi sa Tina Caravan ug kini himuon matag tuig sulod sa bilangguan."
The Gov. Tina Plaza Caravan continues to serve the public thru the participating efforts of the Provincial Government under the present able leadership of Governor Maria Valentina G. Plaza, Philippine Dental Association (PDA)- Agusan del Sur Chapter, Association of Municipal Health Officers of the Philippines (AMHOP), and the Philippine Medical Association.
Father and Son Rebels Return
Alexis Gonzaga, Catardo
Jaime Manlagunta (38 years old), together with his son Roman Manlagunta (25 years old) turned over two M-16 rifles upon surrendering last September 25 at the Patrol Base of 26IB, 402nd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army in Barangay Sinakungan, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.
The two rebels were members of Front 88, a New People's Army division which still holds operations in the hinterlands of Agusan del Sur.
Colonel Benjamin Pedralvez, Deputy Battalion Commander of the 23rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army presented father and son to the government through Provincial Governor Maria Valentina Plaza on October 2.
Col. Pedralvez revealed that the only problem the rebels say they currently face is the safe retrieval of their families, who are still in their respective homes in Esperanza. Plaza, in response, designated Josefina Bajade, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, to spearhead the immediate rescue of the said family members.
Aside from being given the chance to start a new life, the rebels each receive P120,000: P50,000 for handing over their arms, P50,000 support for the Livelihood Program and P20,000 as immediate assistance.
SURRENDER. Voluntary NPA returnees Jaime and son Roman Manlagunta hand over two M-16 rifles to Provincial Governor Maria Valentina Plaza last October 2. Present during the turn over were Mrs. Josefina "Nic Nic" Bajade, Provincial Social Welfare Officer (PSWDO); Col. Benjamin Z. Pedralvez, Batallion Commander 23rd IB Infantry Division; and 1st Lt. Geraldo A. Magayaga, Company Commander, Bravo Company 23rd IB.
Agusan del Sur Inks Agreement for P160M Road Projects
By Edwin S. Fuentes
September 17, 2009 -- the provincial government of Agusan del Sur through Governor Maria Valentina Plaza and the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency, Rod Smith, signed a Memorandum of Agreement for a multi million peso Provincial Road Management Facility Assistance in the province.
P160 million will cover the maintenance of the provincial road in Esperanza and San Fancisco towns for a four-year term.
Department of Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Austere Panadero said, "the relationship between the Australian government and Agusan del Sur has come a long way and I am honored to be part of [this] endeavor. As the Secretary of the DILG, Rolando Puno emphasized, Agusan del Sur will always be on top of the list for local development, especially on infrastructure."
The newly signed MOA is a new policy program in road maintenance in the provinces. In Mindanao, only five provinces are recipients of the program: Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and Occidental, Surigao del Sur, and Agusan del Sur. The five are described as "economic driver provinces."
The success of numerous projects that the Australian government has poured into the province was one of the factors why Agusan del Sur was chosen as a recipient, said Smith. "Our confidence in the administration of Gov. Maria Valentina Plaza became one of our bases that these projects will again become a total success," he added.
Plaza responded by saying, "we are very grateful that you are always with us in the equitable and fair growth of development in Agusan del Sur. As I stand here, we commit ourselves to protect the projects, especially the road networks because we believe these will bring positive changes in our province."
The relationship between the Australian government and the province of Agusan del Sur started when AusAID (Australian Aid for International Development) helped in the malaria eradication project and the child-friendly movement in the province.
The MOA signing was witnessed by former Governmors Valentina Plaza and Adolph Edward "Eddiebong" Plaza, Vice Governor Santiago Cane Jr., members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the mayors of the 14 municipalities of the province of Agusan del Sur.
The MOA signing for the P160M Provincial Road Management Facility last September 17, 2009. With (left to right) DILG Undersecretary Austere Panadero, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency, Rod Smith and Provincial Governor Maria Valentina Plaza.
Corn Processing Center Now in Agusan del Sur
By Jerose Nebato
Agusan del Sur -- the provincial government in partnership with the National Agribusiness Corbporation (NABCOR) has recently completed the construction of the Corn Post Harvest Processing and Trading Center (CPHPTC) at Pagkain ng Bayan, Bayugan, Agusan del Sur to cater to the needs of the local farmers.
The total project cost P66,430,601, with P42,550,000 coming from the provincial government for warehouse construction and other components; P20,000,000 from NABCOR for its machinery and other accessories, and an additional P3,880,601 for tools and other requirements, also from NABCOR.
With the establishment of the CPHPTC, it is expected that there will be production of premium quality corn grains at 14% moisture content, reduction in corn drying and processing cost by at least 50%, decrease in post harvest losses from 15% to 5%, and an increase in the corn farmer's income by 50%.
The CPHPTC's output capacity is around 50 metric tons or 1,000 bags per day wherein processing includes cob and grain drying and shelling. Dried grains are then traded to feed millers, poultry growers, hog raisers and other processors. Right from the field, freshly harvested corn on the cob can be sold directly to CPHPTC.
In an interview with Engineer Oscar S. Jurado of the Provincial Agricultural Office, he said that Agusan del Sur is the top corn-producing province in Caraga (Region XIII) having 7 existing corn cluster areas located in Trento, Sta. Josefa, Prosperidad, Bayugan and Esperanza.
The project is one of the economic priorities of the administration of Governor Maria Valentina Plaza in support to the National Food Security and Sufficiency Program of Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The recently established multi-million peso Corn Post Harvest Processing and Trading Center is now open for business along the National Highway, Pagkain ng Bayan, Bayugan, Agusan del Sur.
