New Zealand ambassador graces LGUMTP project completion celebration
PIA News

Butuan City (May 31) -- No less than the Ambassador of the New Zealand Embassy H.E. David Pine graced on Friday, May 30 celebration of the project completion of the Local Government Unit Management Training Project of LGUMTP at the Dotties' Place Convention Hall, this city.



big time na diay mga bisita sa Butuan dah....before ambassador sa Vatican....karon NZ na pod

Butuanons should be proud of this costumes and start promoting it by wearing it at least 1ns a week... ang saya2x sigoro ano..:)

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di ko sul-ob... ikaw ra ph...once you get home to Cabcabon:lol: jowk

^^ dugay ra oi, padolong na pud gani ko ug lain country. pm me your friendster account.. add kita. exited na kaayo ko mag bakasyon sa amo baryo.. :)

mao ba...grabe ka nomadic na diay ka karon...

asa man ka padulong na pod?

^^ wala ko kita ug pang lalaki ana.. oi honestly chada bya sya tanawon ba.. murag mga datu ang style.

^^ dako unta to nga offer bai pero hadlok man sa warzone. I noticed that Sun Cellular has good coverage na sa butuan before ko ni langyaw.

Sun Cellular....yap...even our subdivision in Villa Kanangga na butangan nila ug tower.....wala mananghid sa home owners...pastilan

Butuan Airport Development Project (project scope details)

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here its is ph oh....klarix na cguro ni ha

^^ wala ko kita ug pang lalaki ana.. oi honestly chada bya sya tanawon ba.. murag mga datu ang style.

its more of an ethnic Indian isnpired costume rather than Butuanon..tsk tsk

What makes it an Indian thing bob ? the chicken.. ?

What make it an Indian thing bob ? the chicken.. ?

yup..those chicken feathers....ancient Butuanons dont wear animal sourced ornamanets....either they use gold or gemstones or any metallic thing as body adornments and head pieces...

Flag day celebration kicks off
by Jose Jemuel Dael

Butuan City (May 28) -- All the people within the premises of Rizal Park here come to attention and stalled as the Philippine National Flag is briskly raised at the airing of the first note of the Philippine National Anthem.

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Tourists at the First Flag Hoisting in Mindanao Marker Site

the flag at Rizal Park can be a tourist destination din pala :lol:

^^ I think that's only for the pageant purposes, para beauty tingnan, for sure they cant afford the gold. aheheheh

yup..those chicken feathers....ancient Butuanons dont wear animal sourced ornamanets....either they use gold or gemstones or any metallic thing as body adornments and head pieces...

Sun Cellular....yap...even our subdivision in Villa Kanangga na butangan nila ug tower.....wala mananghid sa home owners...pastilan

i find it offensive that these big corporations can just encroach private property. gi-demanda ba sa tag-iya?

feauture

Want help in developing projects?
PIA News

Butuan City (May 31) -- Do you need reference material on how to develop projects?

Do you want to know how other local government units [LGUs] and other organizations start, handle and sustain their projects with success?

These materials are now readily available in th recently launched Project/Program Development & Management Regional Resource Center or the PPDM Resource Center.

The center is assisted by the Local government Management Unit Training Project [LGUMTP] which is a joint project of the National Economic Development Authority [NEDA] and the New Zealand Agency for International Development [NZAID].

The Caraga Learning Service Providers' Network or LSPN, another LGUMTP-assisted project jointly manages the resource center.

The PPDM Resource Center is presently based at the LGUMTP office and also serves as the operations center of the LSPN.

The center houses books, reference material, profiles and databank of local learning service providers and LGUMTP knowledge products like manuals, templates and casebooks. As the hub of the PPDM support network in the region, the center also provides access to varied and multi-disciplinary expertise in PPDM, inter-agency and cross-sector cooperation and first hand experience and exposure to LGU PPDM work.

The center's February 22 launching which is one of the highlights of the weeklong celebration of Caraga's 13th year anniversary also included the presentation of its newest set of collection – 10 benchmark casebooks.

LGUMTP Project Director Lurraine Baybay-Villacorta said the publication of these casebooks were done to showcase LGU initiated and implemented projects that may be used as good practice models or as reference for doing better implementation strategies for our local LGUs.

The casebooks were produced as part of the LGUMTP PPDM Learning Package, Villacorta added. The learning package also includes a Facilitator's Manual and Participant's Guidebook on the PDM Training Course.

These learning materials which are available at the resource center are used in what Villacorta describes as an "innovative and trailblazing" competency-based education training [CBET] program developed with the Ateneo School of Government.

The casebooks' subject include LGU implemented projects in natural resource management, technical vocational education & training, good agricultural governance, municipal economic enterprise on rice production, tourism project, solid waste management and women economic empowerment. Three cases feature alliance building and networking for PPDM, gender and development mainstreaming, and conservation of a shared lake ecosystem. (DTI-13/PIA-Caraga)

2008/05/31

NZAID project closes, facilitates packaging of P700-M worth of Caraga projects^^

Butuan City (May 31) -- Some P700 million worth of projects have been packaged by 42 local government units that participated in the regional capability building project funded by the New Zealand Agency for International Development or NZAID.

Eighteen projects totaling about P450 M are currently being considered by various local and foreign funding agencies. Nine projects amounting to about P100 M already got firm commitments, while four projects worth P40 M have been funded.

This is the so called "harvest" from the project dubbed as the Local Government Unit Management Training Project or LGUMTP which started November 2004 and will be closing come June 30 this year.

LGUMTP Project Director Lurraine Baybay-Villacorta said that although NZAID has always identified itself as a small donor compared to the other foreign official development agencies or ODAs, the LGUMTP in Caraga was able to make a very good coverage.

Aside from the projects packaged, LGUMTP also provided hands-on project/program development and management or PPDM training to more than 200 LGU functionaries – municipal planning officers, agriculturists, engineers, gender and development [GAD] focal persons and accountant – working together as project development teams for their respective municipality's priority projects, Villacorta added.

The learning package used is anchored on a competency-based education training or CBET approach and was developed by LGUMTP with the Ateneo School of Government.

The training was initially delivered by Manila-based consultants, but the later batches saw more local experts delivering the different training modules.

These local experts came from non-government organizations, provincial and city governments, selected regional line agencies, and academic institutions including state universities and colleges [SUCs]. These institutions which are currently doing project/program development and management [PPDM] services have since banded together to form the Caraga Learning Service Providers Network or LSPN, also with the help of the LGUMTP. (DTI-13/PIA-Caraga)

Santacruzan 2008

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Monsignor Caldoza and Balanghai Director Mrs. Daisy Plaza with the sagalas

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Masao River Kayak

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^^ wow, masao gihapon starting point ani bob ?

with that model, tyak marami magpalista sa Masao River Kayak ^^

its more of an ethnic Indian isnpired costume rather than Butuanon..tsk tsk

murag pud og aztec.

:lol: TOINK!!!

^^ wow, masao gihapon starting point ani bob ?

yup^^

Balangayan Butuan
http://lgrc.lga.gov.ph/greenstone/collect/strength/index/assoc/HASHfa73.dir/Transformative_Partnerships-1_1.jpg

The Balangayan Butuan Program which envisions to assist the 6000 families of the CARBDP affected areas is still in the inception phase, yet, the provision of houses needs to be fast tracked due to the imminent danger posed to the lives of the settlers in the area.

The stakeholders, including the beneficiaries, sponsors, program partners; the media and the public in general still do not have a clear concept of what the program is all about yet it is an imperative that all concerned should nderstand the concept that drives the program.

Balangayan Butuan is an LGU-led Multisectoral Community Development program building on the Gawad Kalinga of the CFC approach to socialized housing. Its goal is to provide a better quality of life for families by helping them build homes that provide a sense of security and well-being, teaching them livelihood skills, and organizing them into a model community, embodying the Filipino “Bayanihan Spirit.”

The Balangayan Butuan program is not intended as solely a government endeavor but a commitment from various stakeholders who take it upon themselves to share their extra resources so that others may be uplifted from subhuman conditions. The Butuan City LGU’s resources are limited by many pressing priorities.

The Balangayan Butuan program needs assistance from benevolent donors for it to achieve what it has set out to do.

after a day of kayak for sure mag tan na yong color nya ehehehee :lol:

with that model, tyak marami magpalista sa Masao River Kayak ^^

The Bancasi Airport is really improving. The runway is currently being extended. and it is also being widened. Also, the are now light posts installed at the apron. I think this is for night or early morning flights. and pati run dun sa runway, may mga ilaw na rin. i dont know wat it is called. Basta it is improving. The bancasi airport can accomodate only 3 airbus. not four, bob bxu. nangutana ko sa airport manager last monday.

It's good to see that there is traffic at the airport na. everyday, 3 to four flights ang cinicater ng airport. The time wen we are about to arrive at the airport from cebu, na delayed kami. sabi ng piloto, air traffic daw. delayed kasi most flights sa manila kaya 3 planes sa bancasi naka stall that time.

San Lorenzo Ruiz, Bayugan City, Agusan Del Sur...

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Rafael's Resort (not sure sa name), Bayugan City, Agusan Del Sur

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next posts, nature shots of bayugan and san france.

Long time no see James ah...

heard your a big man already at USC?

that's correct James, the airport redevelopment project is at full steam...hopefully the onfoing works at the runway wont disrupt the smooth flow of air traffic...

I guess the sikyu was wrong....3 airbuses ang ma accomodate sa tarmac...he must have thought B737-400 pa..:)

but expansion works are ongoing...expect more surprises to come on the way...^^

Weegol's Garden : Lunchtime NAAHHHHH!!!

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The Bancasi Airport is really improving. The runway is currently being extended. and it is also being widened. Also, the are now light posts installed at the apron. I think this is for night or early morning flights. and pati run dun sa runway, may mga ilaw na rin. i dont know wat it is called. Basta it is improving. The bancasi airport can accomodate only 3 airbus. not four, bob bxu. nangutana ko sa airport manager last monday.

It's good to see that there is traffic at the airport na. everyday, 3 to four flights ang cinicater ng airport. The time wen we are about to arrive at the airport from cebu, na delayed kami. sabi ng piloto, air traffic daw. delayed kasi most flights sa manila kaya 3 planes sa bancasi naka stall that time.

maybe those lights kaya are used for their construction activities at night?....they ususlly work at night time to reduce disruption of flights during the day kase...

Rafael's Resort (not sure sa name), Bayugan City, Agusan Del Sur

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http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y174/edison_lee/DOT%20Magellan%20Trek/DSC_6486.jpg

next posts, nature shots of bayugan and san france.

wow...it seems Bayugan City is also responding to the trend of having these inland resorts just like Cabadbaran City..

I must say kudos to these Butuan's satellite cities^^

Payt kog kaon dira Bob.. hahaha lami pa japon sya compare to Aling Cora.. ahahaha sorry... The taste still good.. nothing change...yum yum

Weegol's Garden : Lunchtime NAAHHHHH!!!

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i-post imo mga pictures sa pag bakasyon dire Butuan Reg beh, tan-awon nako kung liwat ka nako wafu pod hehe :)

Mag sge nalang na sila og palumbaay og develop Bob.. Basin gani malabwan pa ang Butuan. Who knows? I passed by going to Agusan Del Sur when I visited Gensan wow sakay mig Kinglong ba... tama jud to imong ingon Bob nga sleep like a baby... pero grabe kusog ayo dagan ba.... dali ra mi abot sa Davao.. Looks nice ang highway going to Davao from ADS. lagpad na sila og dalan ba...

Kinglong! The King of the Road.!

wow...it seems Bayugan City is also responding to the trend of having these inland resorts just like Cabadbaran City..

I must say kudos to these Butuan's satellite cities^^

Wala lagi ko chance og foto lagi.. pero ako i post kadtong nag eat me sa MCdo.. mao ra man jud lagi madali dali.. hahahahaha

i-post imo mga pictures sa pag bakasyon dire Butuan Reg beh, tan-awon nako kung liwat ka nako wafu pod hehe :)

Mag sge nalang na sila og palumbaay og develop Bob.. Basin gani malabwan pa ang Butuan. Who knows? I passed by going to Agusan Del Sur when I visited Gensan wow sakay mig Kinglong ba... tama jud to imong ingon Bob nga sleep like a baby... pero grabe kusog ayo dagan ba.... dali ra mi abot sa Davao.. Looks nice ang highway going to Davao from ADS. lagpad na sila og dalan ba...

Kinglong! The King of the Road.!

whatever developments within cabadbaran or bayugan cities....in the end that would be tantamount in the creation of a Metropolitan Butuan (comprising these 3 cities)^^

yap, very lapad na Butuan-Davao Highway, one of country's best highways I must say

whatever developments within cabadbaran or bayugan cities....in the end that would be tantamount in the creation of a Metropolitan Butuan (comprising these 3 cities)^^

yap, very lapad na Butuan-Davao Highway, one of country's best highways I must say

hehehe cruising the Davao-Agusan highway is a breeze. Newly paved na ang sira-sirang daan noon. I have traveled to butuan lately mantakin nyo kaya 3 hrs nalang ang Butuan from tagum :banana:

Yeah I agree with you... I havent' visited Cabadbaran yet. So I dont have an idea kung unsa na development didto. I supposed to attend our reunion for Nakila's Clan but as I've said I've only 2 weeks vacation. Maybe next reunion. Dali ra ang developement sa Caraga compare to other regions.

whatever developments within cabadbaran or bayugan cities....in the end that would be tantamount in the creation of a Metropolitan Butuan (comprising these 3 cities)^^

yap, very lapad na Butuan-Davao Highway, one of country's best highways I must say

Yeah I agree with you Ibex. Sobrang bilis ng takbo lalo na pag Kinglong ang sinasakyan mo... pero advise ko lang na dapat sa harap kayo sumakay kse makikita mo ung malalapad na daan tas ndi mo ma feel ung hilo ba... kse sobrang bilis ng kinglong ndi mo mamalayan na andon ka na pala sa Butuan from Davao..

hehehe cruising the Davao-Agusan highway is a breeze. Newly paved na ang sira-sirang daan noon. I have traveled to butuan lately mantakin nyo kaya 3 hrs nalang ang Butuan from tagum :banana:

Yeah I agree with you Ibex. Sobrang bilis ng takbo lalo na pag Kinglong ang sinasakyan mo... pero advise ko lang na dapat sa harap kayo sumakay kse makikita mo ung malalapad na daan tas ndi mo ma feel ung hilo ba... kse sobrang bilis ng kinglong ndi mo mamalayan na andon ka na pala sa Butuan from Davao..

Im happy with the efforts ng government ng Agusan del sur. Noon pa ako sige travel dha na highway ma imbyerna ka sa dalan. I could only say bad words sa mga politicos its long over due na. hehehe pero beter later than never ngayon proud na ako sa Davao-Agusan Highway (Daang Maharlika) ika pang hambog na gyud :banana:

hehehe cruising the Davao-Agusan highway is a breeze. Newly paved na ang sira-sirang daan noon. I have traveled to butuan lately mantakin nyo kaya 3 hrs nalang ang Butuan from tagum :banana:

havent rode a King Long pa....

but if you by pass Baan and Magsaysay Bridge (if from Tagum) using the new By Pass Highway and macapagal Bridge....travel time shall be cut further to maybe 2 hours and 45 minutes...!:nuts:

havent rode a King Long pa....

but if you by pass Baan and Magsaysay Bridge (if from Tagum) using the new By Pass Highway and macapagal Bridge....travel time shall be cut further to maybe 2 hours and 45 minutes...!:nuts:

Doon kami dumaan on our way home ma shorten talaga by that much ^^ Pero sana matuloy yung going to Ampayon na, parang may plan kasi for that route diba?:cheers:

Doon kami dumaan on our way home ma shorten talaga by that much ^^ Pero sana matuloy yung going to Ampayon na directly, parang may plan kasi for that route diba?:cheers:

yup..its actuallly the Phase 2 of the By Pass Road Project...from Taligaman to that crossing in Maguinda then on to Macapagal Bridge...

Phase 3 is from Bonbon to Bancasi...

yup..its actuallly the Phase 2 of the By Pass Road Project...from Taligaman to that crossing in Maguinda then on to Macapagal Bridge...

Phase 3 is from Bonbon to Bancasi...

Very good planning para may ready areas na for expansion ang butuan. pero ma convert yung area from agricultural to commercial/industrial kailangan na mag upgrade ng zoning ordinance, and ma replace yung mawawalang agricultural areas para din sa kapakanan natin. Sige tayo naga urbanize in almost all places in the expense of that particular sector. :) Karon mahal na ang bugas:lol::lol::lol:

Gethsemane Falls, Bayugan City

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a cave/gorge near Gethsemane Falls...

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Wala lagi ko chance og foto lagi.. pero ako i post kadtong nag eat me sa MCdo.. mao ra man jud lagi madali dali.. hahahahaha

Nakabadminton session mo nila Amy ug Robert? he he he

@regx, wala gyud ka nag info nga naa ka butuan da.. hehehe, at least naka uli ka ! hope nag enjoy ikaw !

Wala lagi ko chance og foto lagi.. pero ako i post kadtong nag eat me sa MCdo.. mao ra man jud lagi madali dali.. hahahahaha

@regx, wala gyud ka nag info nga naa ka butuan da.. hehehe, at least naka uli ka ! hope nag enjoy ikaw !

hala...Ian, ni bulaw lagi imo buhok...unya murag nipis napod...:)

wow...:) havent been there....Bayugan could be an adventure destination too..

Very good planning para may ready areas na for expansion ang butuan. pero ma convert yung area from agricultural to commercial/industrial kailangan na mag upgrade ng zoning ordinance, and ma replace yung mawawalang agricultural areas para din sa kapakanan natin. Sige tayo naga urbanize in almost all places in the expense of that particular sector. :) Karon mahal na ang bugas:lol::lol::lol:

yup....and that soon to start 1.2 B highway Butuan to Esperanza and Bayugan will open huge tracts of land for the food basket..

Halloween or Christmas?? : Outdated Photo, G Mall

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Butuan's Top Tourist Guide : City Mayor

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hehehe, e photo shop ko na later ha... taplakan nato ang upaw lol

hala...Ian, ni bulaw lagi imo buhok...unya murag nipis napod...:)

The best ! , linaw pa ng tubig ;)

Gethsemane Falls, Bayugan City

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Halloween or Christmas?? : Outdated Photo, G Mall

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:lol::lol:

The mall looks like masikip....Whats the Gross leasable area of Gmall?

Yeah I agree with you... I havent' visited Cabadbaran yet. So I dont have an idea kung unsa na development didto. I supposed to attend our reunion for Nakila's Clan but as I've said I've only 2 weeks vacation. Maybe next reunion. Dali ra ang developement sa Caraga compare to other regions.

regjeex naa ko mga first cousins nga nakila, naa sad sa cabadbaran, adto gani ko sa ila mag tambay usahay kung makasuroy ko cabadbaran.

San France, TOOG, tallest tree in the Philippines (?)
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in Mt. Diwata, a Eucalyptus tree:
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Villa Teresita Eco Park, at the base of Mt. Diwata:
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going up...
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^^ @yoncha789 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/member.php?u=117406), layo na ng inabot mo sa nature trip mo. :)

The mall looks like masikip....Whats the Gross leasable area of Gmall?

the one shown in the picture is the department store... on fridays, saturdays and sundays, and paydays.....mas grabe ka sikip :)

The Philippines' Most Natural Skyscraper :lol: ^^

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Sec. Durano releases P2.4M for Butuan's River cruise project
PIA News

by Litz Ty-Flaviano

Butuan City (June 5) -- Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, OIC Gen. Manager of the Philippine Tourism Authority has released P2.4 million for the Butuan's River Cruise project to boost the city's tourism industry says, Mdm. Daisy B. Plaza, Regional Director, Caraga Tourism Council and Chairperson of City Tourism Council.

This she disclosed during a gathering of the administration's political allies including the 64 out of 86 barangays captains and kagawads loyal to Mayor Democrito D. Plaza II who hosted the said meeting together with Councilor Randolph Plaza and former ABC President, Artemio Radaza at the people's Hall recently.

The money, which has been transferred to the account of the City Tourism Council only needs some ironing and other necessary papers to jumpstart the River Cruise project along the mighty Agusan River, the amiable lady mayor stressed.

The project would include installation of decorative lampposts along the river dikes and the purchase of boats that would ferry tourists/passengers plying to and from the river and other tourist destinations in the Agusan provinces especially along the river barangays. Mdm. Plaza added.

She encouraged barangay officials to tap the women's sector in the beautification and cleanliness campaign in their respective barangays with synchronized sites focusing on Butuan's ethnic culture or the Manobo-inspired theme that would translate to Butuan's historic past and pride, the ancient Balanghai boats, Plaza emphasized.

She said that even Sec. Durano's alter ego, USEC Palayubyub, suggested of enhancing the Filipino way or Butuan's own culture and tradition and the used of indigenous materials in propagating tourism industry here.

On the other hand, Mayor Plaza said the discovery of these ancient trading vessels and ancient artifacts and other historical places of the city could change the country's recorded history that prior Ferdinand Magellan\s discovering the Philippine island, the Manobo natives or Butuanons, for that acting business with Chinese merchants, the mayor remarked.

Mayor Plaza further said that with these findings, many tourists would be interested to come and visit nine identified historical sites here, thus, boosting the city tourism potentials and accelerate local economic activity, the good mayor stated.

Mayor plaza also promised to extend financial assistance with zero interest rates to every barangay through their formed cooperatives for their livelihood projects towards uplifting economic conditions of the constituents especially the marginalized sector, he claimed.

It is necessary that by organizing into cooperatives, the city government can infuse capital to them because they need the official receipts from these cooperatives for proof and auditing of the financial aid, Plaza explained.

The River Cruise is part of the envisioned Butuan Historical Park that will rise on a 3.5 hectares covering seven barangays along the west bank of Agusan River launched in the later part of 2006. Residents along these areas were relocated and given better homes by the City's Balangayan Butuan Program.

It is anchored on the Agusan River Park Management Board chaired by Mayor Plaza with the Park Management Sub-Committees composed of representatives from different sectors to manage peace and order; health; environment; tourism promotion; livelihood development; infrastructure development; and social artistry, it was learned. (PIA-Caraga)

Butuan mayor delivers City Address 2008
PIA News

by Litz Ty-Flaviano

Butuan City (June 5) -- The Chief Executive of this city, Mayor Democrito D. Plaza II delivered his 2008 City Address during the 1st Special Session of the 11th Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) held recently in one of the local convention centers here before a crowd estimated at around 1,000, it was gathered.

The mayor's city address focuses on the development his administration would undertake and hope to make Butuan at par or far better than other progressive cities in the country while citing the important role of Cong. Jose S. Aquino II, Representative of the 1st District of Butuan City to the House of Congress and a close friend and ally of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in acquiring needed funds for the implementation of these projects, the good mayor emphasized.

This year's City Address entitled "Envisioning, Realizing, Empowering" lasted for nearly an hour and was interrupted by several applauses from the audience.

The undefeated mayor who is on his fourth term disclosed among others, plan to privatize the Butuan City Medical Center, Garbage Collection, Motor Pool, the City Economic Enterprise which include the public market, slaughter house, and public cemetery believing further that such move would increase the income of the city and improve collection in all of these income-generating facilities of the city government.

Mayor Plaza believed that through privatization of these public entities, it would enhance the delivery of efficient and honest services to the public while doing away "palakasan" system in the government. As it is, Plaza said the city foots the P34 million in paying the hospitalization bills of indigent patients in 2007, thus, depleting the resources of the city's coffers.

He also made mention on the P15 million as earmarked for the cooperatives of the 86 barangays to uplift their economic conditions through livelihood projects, which they would like to undertake.

Mayor Plaza also said a new Sangguniang Panlungsod building will be constructed to complement the sprawling City Hall edifice.

More infrastructures such as roads, and other government structures will be given priority this year such as the Butuan-Tungao-Las Nieves-Esperanza-Bukidnon road; the alternate road in Barangay Bancasi for vehicles and other buses plying Cagayan de Oro-Davao City route that would link or connect to the 2nd Magsaysay Bridge, thus congesting traffic at Barangay Libertad and in Barangay Ampayon.

Among those who were present are Regional Directors of Caraga, representatives of socio-civic organizations, visiting Japanese nationals who are members of World Peace Organization, Mutya Hong Butuan Beauties, members of the local tri-media, political allies and some city hall employees. (Northern Mindanao Chronicle/PIA-Caraga)

Butuan dad cites benefits of highly-urbanized city
PIA News

by Robert E. Roperos

Butuan City (June 5) -- Mayor Democrito Plaza II proudly presented the benefits the city has obtained from being a highly urbanized during his State of the City Address (SOCA) held recently in one of the local convention centers here.

Speaking before the crowd estimated at around 1,000 of all ages, the fourth-termed Mayor emphasized that revitalization and urban renewal is taking shape in the city composed of 27 urban barangays and four urbanizing rural areas.

"With careful study, we complemented our development blueprint, with catalysts for growth, by putting up appropriate and massive infrastructure facilities, to launch economic activity", Mayor Plaza said.

Mayor Plaza also stressed that with urbanization comes a rising population that would need to implement expansion project of the city's water system. "The Butuan City Water Expansion Project now provides water facilities all throughout our 86 barangays", he said.

As far as supply of electricity is concerned, Mayor Plaza proudly said that all the 86 barangays in the city is now 100 percent supplied.

Beautification of the city is also given priority by his administration, evidence of which is the development of the city's center islands, planted with ornamental plants and trees, placing of decorative pavers in the walkways, and installation of ornamental lamps and lampposts, with balangay boat motif. "We do not just make Butuan a livable city, we also make it beautiful", he said.

Enhancing government services was also given emphasis by the Mayor. True to this is the establishment of a modernized City Hall Building that makes it convenient to transact business with the government. "Through the establishment of the building that is coupled with systems improvement and computerization, our people can attest to better and more efficient services", Mayor Plaza said.

The chief executive's 2008 SOCA was attended by prominent personalities from both the government and non-government sectors who are listening attentively to the report of Mayor Plaza. (PIA-Caraga)

hehehe, e photo shop ko na later ha... taplakan nato ang upaw lol

must be the water in Singapura?...:lol:

Port Of Nasipit
Butuan's sea link


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2198/2249189368_1f39697776_b.jpg

http://www.nasipitsite.com/nasipit%20port/nas%20port.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/keith.g.anderson/Rn1he_EF1yI/AAAAAAAAAic/GPOWXZVNDmc/Image00144.jpg?imgmax=720

http://lh3.ggpht.com/keith.g.anderson/Rn1hGPEF1pI/AAAAAAAAAhU/0SHtt2JuCOY/Image00129.jpg?imgmax=720

http://lh3.ggpht.com/keith.g.anderson/Rn1hkPEF10I/AAAAAAAAAis/gxIcpEYiwGI/Image00149.jpg?imgmax=720

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2091/2018884158_41dc1d2f78_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2112/2018883092_0427e8e008_b.jpg

O.T. to all butuanons: naay nag ask diri kung pwede na ba daw motan-aw ug caregiver kanang makalingkod na ta ug sakto sa mga senihan? :lol:

Port Of Nasipit
Butuan's sea link


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2198/2249189368_1f39697776_b.jpg

http://www.nasipitsite.com/nasipit%20port/nas%20port.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/keith.g.anderson/Rn1he_EF1yI/AAAAAAAAAic/GPOWXZVNDmc/Image00144.jpg?imgmax=720

http://lh3.ggpht.com/keith.g.anderson/Rn1hGPEF1pI/AAAAAAAAAhU/0SHtt2JuCOY/Image00129.jpg?imgmax=720

http://lh3.ggpht.com/keith.g.anderson/Rn1hkPEF10I/AAAAAAAAAis/gxIcpEYiwGI/Image00149.jpg?imgmax=720

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2091/2018884158_41dc1d2f78_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2112/2018883092_0427e8e008_b.jpg

dako nga yes! this is what i miss during my younger days. maski asa mag-abot, ma-bus man or ma-barko or eroplano. thanks for the pics.

O.T. to all butuanons: naay nag ask diri kung pwede na ba daw motan-aw ug caregiver kanang makalingkod na ta ug sakto sa mga senihan? :lol:

I guess its still showing in one of G Mall's cinemas...weekdays would be better to chance a nice seat....weekends at the G Mall?...score the ticket early :)

I guess its still showing in one of G Mall's cinemas...weekdays would be better to chance a nice seat....weekends at the G Mall?...score the ticket early :)

bring a portable aircon/electric fan with you kay perteng inita, walay aircon whatsoever... it's so hot at gmall, poor management. nagsalig lang sila kay muanha gyapon ang mga tao...

Butuan mayor delivers City Address 2008
PIA News

by Litz Ty-Flaviano

Butuan City (June 5) -- The Chief Executive of this city, Mayor Democrito D. Plaza II delivered his 2008 City Address during the 1st Special Session of the 11th Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) held recently in one of the local convention centers here before a crowd estimated at around 1,000, it was gathered.

The mayor's city address focuses on the development his administration would undertake and hope to make Butuan at par or far better than other progressive cities in the country while citing the important role of Cong. Jose S. Aquino II, Representative of the 1st District of Butuan City to the House of Congress and a close friend and ally of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in acquiring needed funds for the implementation of these projects, the good mayor emphasized.

This year's City Address entitled "Envisioning, Realizing, Empowering" lasted for nearly an hour and was interrupted by several applauses from the audience.

The undefeated mayor who is on his fourth term disclosed among others, plan to privatize the Butuan City Medical Center, Garbage Collection, Motor Pool, the City Economic Enterprise which include the public market, slaughter house, and public cemetery believing further that such move would increase the income of the city and improve collection in all of these income-generating facilities of the city government.

Mayor Plaza believed that through privatization of these public entities, it would enhance the delivery of efficient and honest services to the public while doing away "palakasan" system in the government. As it is, Plaza said the city foots the P34 million in paying the hospitalization bills of indigent patients in 2007, thus, depleting the resources of the city's coffers.

He also made mention on the P15 million as earmarked for the cooperatives of the 86 barangays to uplift their economic conditions through livelihood projects, which they would like to undertake.

Mayor Plaza also said a new Sangguniang Panlungsod building will be constructed to complement the sprawling City Hall edifice.

More infrastructures such as roads, and other government structures will be given priority this year such as the Butuan-Tungao-Las Nieves-Esperanza-Bukidnon road; the alternate road in Barangay Bancasi for vehicles and other buses plying Cagayan de Oro-Davao City route that would link or connect to the 2nd Magsaysay Bridge, thus congesting traffic at Barangay Libertad and in Barangay Ampayon.

Among those who were present are Regional Directors of Caraga, representatives of socio-civic organizations, visiting Japanese nationals who are members of World Peace Organization, Mutya Hong Butuan Beauties, members of the local tri-media, political allies and some city hall employees. (Northern Mindanao Chronicle/PIA-Caraga)


these are the few projects that needs immediate intervention....go mayor go...

bring a portable aircon/electric fan with you kay perteng inita, walay aircon whatsoever... it's so hot at gmall, poor management. nagsalig lang sila kay muanha gyapon ang mga tao...

tinuod jud na...way pagka bakak...salig man kay monopoly...

Sec. Durano releases P2.4M for Butuan's River cruise project
PIA News

by Litz Ty-Flaviano

Butuan City (June 5) -- Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, OIC Gen. Manager of the Philippine Tourism Authority has released P2.4 million for the Butuan's River Cruise project to boost the city's tourism industry says, Mdm. Daisy B. Plaza, Regional Director, Caraga Tourism Council and Chairperson of City Tourism Council.

This she disclosed during a gathering of the administration's political allies including the 64 out of 86 barangays captains and kagawads loyal to Mayor Democrito D. Plaza II who hosted the said meeting together with Councilor Randolph Plaza and former ABC President, Artemio Radaza at the people's Hall recently.

The money, which has been transferred to the account of the City Tourism Council only needs some ironing and other necessary papers to jumpstart the River Cruise project along the mighty Agusan River, the amiable lady mayor stressed.

The project would include installation of decorative lampposts along the river dikes and the purchase of boats that would ferry tourists/passengers plying to and from the river and other tourist destinations in the Agusan provinces especially along the river barangays. Mdm. Plaza added.

She encouraged barangay officials to tap the women's sector in the beautification and cleanliness campaign in their respective barangays with synchronized sites focusing on Butuan's ethnic culture or the Manobo-inspired theme that would translate to Butuan's historic past and pride, the ancient Balanghai boats, Plaza emphasized.

She said that even Sec. Durano's alter ego, USEC Palayubyub, suggested of enhancing the Filipino way or Butuan's own culture and tradition and the used of indigenous materials in propagating tourism industry here.

On the other hand, Mayor Plaza said the discovery of these ancient trading vessels and ancient artifacts and other historical places of the city could change the country's recorded history that prior Ferdinand Magellan\s discovering the Philippine island, the Manobo natives or Butuanons, for that acting business with Chinese merchants, the mayor remarked.

Mayor Plaza further said that with these findings, many tourists would be interested to come and visit nine identified historical sites here, thus, boosting the city tourism potentials and accelerate local economic activity, the good mayor stated.

Mayor plaza also promised to extend financial assistance with zero interest rates to every barangay through their formed cooperatives for their livelihood projects towards uplifting economic conditions of the constituents especially the marginalized sector, he claimed.

It is necessary that by organizing into cooperatives, the city government can infuse capital to them because they need the official receipts from these cooperatives for proof and auditing of the financial aid, Plaza explained.

The River Cruise is part of the envisioned Butuan Historical Park that will rise on a 3.5 hectares covering seven barangays along the west bank of Agusan River launched in the later part of 2006. Residents along these areas were relocated and given better homes by the City's Balangayan Butuan Program.

It is anchored on the Agusan River Park Management Board chaired by Mayor Plaza with the Park Management Sub-Committees composed of representatives from different sectors to manage peace and order; health; environment; tourism promotion; livelihood development; infrastructure development; and social artistry, it was learned. (PIA-Caraga)


sana masimulan na... yung actual construction

^^ nope, it's just the camera.. lol, fyi, na photoshop ko na ang upaw .. :lol:

Mao so meaning you're my paryente? We used to have gatherings in Cabadbaran City Gym and it's not enough for our families.. where in fact i was attended last 2001 naa ra jud me nag tindog sa pultahan sa GYM dili na mi kasulod tungod sa ka damo sa tao... hahaha wala man lagi lingaw sa unang panahon mga nga ubay ubay sad hahahhaa... Paryente diay ta Filino? kung wala ko masayop.... its good to hear naa naa ko mailhan paryente diri sa thread...

regjeex naa ko mga first cousins nga nakila, naa sad sa cabadbaran, adto gani ko sa ila mag tambay usahay kung makasuroy ko cabadbaran.

Wala lagi mi chance to play kay 2 weeks vacation not good enough. Pati gani pag kiat kiat wala nay time ba... hahhahahaha pero I met them in Aling Cora. Talking talking ra tas kaon kaon gamay. I went to SJIT at that time before me nag meet.... dako na changes ang SJIT. Kita sad nako ang rendering sa coliseum so nice.

Nakabadminton session mo nila Amy ug Robert? he he he

Wala lagi bai kay kulang ayo ang time ba.. wala man gani mi nag kita ni cuzin J. pero didto ko sa ilang balay ba...tas passed by sa inyo mansion.. grabe ka daku bai inyo balay oi... hapit hapit ra jud mo balay ni Valentina Plaza ba kanang naa sa Baan... nice kaayo imo balay Ian...ako tana picturan ba.. kaso lang naa man imo papa nag tan aw kay hunog man ko didto dapit....hahaha basin og kaingon imo papa nga akyat bahay gang ko..hahahaha.

@regx, wala gyud ka nag info nga naa ka butuan da.. hehehe, at least naka uli ka ! hope nag enjoy ikaw !

Butuan ~ Out of Town Getaways

Lanuza, SDS

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/2332908846_9f1f52e8b0_b.jpg

Wala lagi mi chance to play kay 2 weeks vacation not good enough. Pati gani pag kiat kiat wala nay time ba... hahhahahaha pero I met them in Aling Cora. Talking talking ra tas kaon kaon gamay. I went to SJIT at that time before me nag meet.... dako na changes ang SJIT. Kita sad nako ang rendering sa coliseum so nice.

yup SJIT is keeping pace as far as physical developments of their facilities ^^

wow ka nice.

relaxing kaayo ang place.

:okay:

Media Group Spearheads Holding of 1st Caraga Food Crisis “Summit”
By Ben on Jun 7, 2008 in Events, Feature, Food

BUTUAN CITY- It took private, penniless, small but credible media group like the Butuan Press Club to socially respond on the real situation of food supply in Caraga Region following spiraling of prices of basic commodities that it agreed to spearhead the conduct the first-ever Caraga Food Crisis Summit hoping to elicit public awareness.

Butuan Press Club officials had invited local officials from three cities and five provinces of Caraga Region ranging from City Mayors, Provincial Governors and Congressmen.

Of the eight congressmen invited, only Rep. Francisco Garay of the Second District of Surigao del Sur have initially confirmed he will attend and even sent copies of his legislative agenda for food production.

Concerned government agencies like the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Food Authority (NFA), PhilRice and others have vowed they will help the private initiatives admitting government was supposed to conduct same activity. .

The one-day summit is set on June 14, 2008 to be held here in Butuan City at Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center with some 100 participants from private and public sector are expected to gather to pour in ideas on how to find means to solve the crisis

Among invited guests is former President Fidel Valdez Ramos who signed the law creating Caraga Region, House Speaker Prospero Nograles, Agriculture and Agrarian Reform officials and others.

Ramos’ staff has initially confirmed attendance of the former President citing Ramos’ show of concern in the region that was lastly created during his term.

In earlier discussions with Department of Agriculture officials of Caraga Region, they admitted that irrigation problems such as dilapidated irrigation facilities, discontinuation of some vital irrigation projects and lack of maintenance of irrigation canals have rendered more problems to the already problematic food supply shortage of the region.

There are 140,243 hectares of potential irrigable lands of Caraga Region but only 59,897 hectares were irrigated with only 30% of that are functional, the rest dilapidated, others needs repair and rehab due continuing siltation, drying up of rivers as watershed areas were destroyed by illegal logging and mining and other problems.

The problem of bad condition of farm to market roads by which farmers are complaining costing them more transportation expenses for their agricultural produce have also caused some discouragement to the farmers.

Other problems were mushrooming of unproductive, idled lands, absence of comprehensive land use management, too much politicking and others.

Of the total land area of 1,884,697 hectares Caraga Region has, only 452, 616.41 hectares are devoted to agriculture while 1,342, 250 hectares are forestlands.

‘We are not assuming to be a cure-all for these huge problems we are facing, eliciting public awareness alone to let the public know what really our problems are is a major achievement for us, the media sector”, officials of the Butuan Press Club during series of meetings in preparation for the summit said*.*

The group also called for transparency on how government funds are spent for food production program.

wow ka nice.

relaxing kaayo ang place.

:okay:

Lanuza is also one of the major surfing destinations in the region^^

Butuan mayor delivers City Address 2008
PIA News

by Litz Ty-Flaviano

Butuan City (June 5) -- The Chief Executive of this city, Mayor Democrito D. Plaza II delivered his 2008 City Address during the 1st Special Session of the 11th Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) held recently in one of the local convention centers here before a crowd estimated at around 1,000, it was gathered.

........Mayor Plaza also said a new Sangguniang Panlungsod building will be constructed to complement the sprawling City Hall edifice.

More infrastructures such as roads.....

This should be IT finally^^

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j97/boybleauxx/butuan-2.jpg?t=1212893173

obedient pedestrian

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j97/boybleauxx/blvd.jpg?t=1212895494

Bob. This is what im talkin about. I like the rendering... Kelan kaya maumpisahan yan? pag natayo yan, One of the iconic in Butuan. Pretty similar in Thailand.

This should be IT finally^^

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j97/boybleauxx/butuan-2.jpg?t=1212893173

Bob. This is what im talkin about. I like the rendering... Kelan kaya maumpisahan yan? pag natayo yan, One of the iconic in Butuan. Pretty similar in Thailand.

I would say one of the iconic in the entire Mindanao probably.... building this one would most likely sooner...the city mayor is known for keeping his promises (often on infrastructures)...if he said it...then it shall be done...

the Coliseum Project will wait sooner as it was not emphasized in his speech though...

Very nice building.

Butuan ~ Out of Town Getaways

Lanuza, SDS

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/2332908846_9f1f52e8b0_b.jpg

nice this one bob. question lang, how long is this?

nice this one bob. question lang, how long is this?

probably just a few 500m perhaps:dunno:

Actors Quarter of the Butuan Arts Guild
performing during the Butuan Leg of the Philippine Bikini 2008

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3059/2561455268_9b931576e1.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3130/2560624751_af01e4d93c.jpg?v=0

saan yan? ganda naman...

probably just a few 500m perhaps:dunno:

maayo untag taas-taas para lami nga promenading strip.

hopefully so Pau...but I think the strip would just be enough for the needs of Lanuza ^^

good enough na gihapon at this point.

this is usually the viewpoint of surfing competitions right at this boardwak

Agusan Norte asks Congress to fasttrack 12 pending agri dev't bills
Butuan City (10 June) -- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte recently requested both the Senate and the House of Representatives to fasttrack the passage of the 12 pending bills supporting the agricultural development to uplift the lives of the people particularly the farmers.

These bills include about the 1) Extension of the utilization of the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, 2) Land Use Policy Code, 3) Restructuring the National Food Authority, 4) Acceptability of Agricultural Lands as Collaterals, 5) Amendments to the Agri-Agra Law, 6) Creation of a Philippine Trade Representative Office, 7) Rationalization of Fiscal Incentives, 8) Disposition of Smuggled Agricultural Products, 9) Bill Streamlining the Environmental Impact Assessment System, 10) Magna Carta for Agriculture Workers, 11) Representation of Small Farmers in the NIA Board, and 12) Representation of Small Grain Farmers in the NFA Council. The Committee on Agriculture and Nutrition, chaired by Provincial Board Member Ernie M. Ceniza, pushed for the passage of Sanggunian Resolution No. 107-2008 for the said request to Congress not only that these bills would greatly help enhance agricultural and economic development of the country, but also because of the strong support of the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) and Regional Management Committee (RMC) Caraga Region. (ABSS, PGO-ADN/PIA-Caraga)

NZAID closes; facilitates P700M worth of Caraga projects
by Brenda B. Corvera

Butuan City (10 June) -- Some P700 million worth of projects have been packaged by 42 local government units that participated in the regional capability building project funded by the New Zealand Agency for International Development or NZAID.

Eighteen projects totaling about P450M are currently being considered by various local and foreign funding agencies. Nine projects amounting to about P100M already got firm commitments, while four projects worth P40M have been funded.

This is the so called "harvest" from the project dubbed as the Local Government Unit Management Training Project of LGUMTP which started November 2004 and will be closing come June 30 this year.

LGUMTP is a three-year joint project on NZAID and the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga.
LGUMTP Project Director Lurraine Baybay-Villacorta said that although NZAID has always identified itself as a small donor compared to the other foreign official development agencies or ODAs, the LGUMTP in Caraga was able to make a very good coverage.

Aside from the projects packaged, LGUMTP also provided hands-on project/program development and management or PPDM training to more than 200 LGU functionaries – municipal planning officers, agriculturists, engineers, gender and development (GAD) focal persons and accountants – working together as project development teams for their respective municipality's priority projects, Villacorta added.

The learning package used is anchored on a competency-based education training or CBET approach and was developed by LGUMTP with the Ateneo School of Government.

The training was initially delivered by Manila-based consultants, but the later batches saw more local experts delivering the different training modules.

These local experts came from non-government organizations, provincial and city governments, selected regional line agencies, and academic institutions including state universities and colleges (SUCs). These institutions which are currently doing project/program development and management (PPDM) services have since banded together to form the Caraga Learning Service Providers Network or LSPN, also with the help of the LGUMTP. (DTI-13/PIA-Caraga)

Media Group Spearheads Holding of 1st Caraga Food Crisis “Summit”
By Ben on Jun 7, 2008 in Events, Feature, Food

BUTUAN CITY- It took private, penniless, small but credible media group like the Butuan Press Club to socially respond on the real situation of food supply in Caraga Region following spiraling of prices of basic commodities that it agreed to spearhead the conduct the first-ever Caraga Food Crisis Summit hoping to elicit public awareness.

Butuan Press Club officials had invited local officials from three cities and five provinces of Caraga Region ranging from City Mayors, Provincial Governors and Congressmen.

Of the eight congressmen invited, only Rep. Francisco Garay of the Second District of Surigao del Sur have initially confirmed he will attend and even sent copies of his legislative agenda for food production.

Concerned government agencies like the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Food Authority (NFA), PhilRice and others have vowed they will help the private initiatives admitting government was supposed to conduct same activity. .

The one-day summit is set on June 14, 2008 to be held here in Butuan City at Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center with some 100 participants from private and public sector are expected to gather to pour in ideas on how to find means to solve the crisis

Among invited guests is former President Fidel Valdez Ramos who signed the law creating Caraga Region, House Speaker Prospero Nograles, Agriculture and Agrarian Reform officials and others.

Ramos’ staff has initially confirmed attendance of the former President citing Ramos’ show of concern in the region that was lastly created during his term.

In earlier discussions with Department of Agriculture officials of Caraga Region, they admitted that irrigation problems such as dilapidated irrigation facilities, discontinuation of some vital irrigation projects and lack of maintenance of irrigation canals have rendered more problems to the already problematic food supply shortage of the region.

There are 140,243 hectares of potential irrigable lands of Caraga Region but only 59,897 hectares were irrigated with only 30% of that are functional, the rest dilapidated, others needs repair and rehab due continuing siltation, drying up of rivers as watershed areas were destroyed by illegal logging and mining and other problems.

The problem of bad condition of farm to market roads by which farmers are complaining costing them more transportation expenses for their agricultural produce have also caused some discouragement to the farmers.

Other problems were mushrooming of unproductive, idled lands, absence of comprehensive land use management, too much politicking and others.

Of the total land area of 1,884,697 hectares Caraga Region has, only 452, 616.41 hectares are devoted to agriculture while 1,342, 250 hectares are forestlands.

‘We are not assuming to be a cure-all for these huge problems we are facing, eliciting public awareness alone to let the public know what really our problems are is a major achievement for us, the media sector”, officials of the Butuan Press Club during series of meetings in preparation for the summit said*.*

The group also called for transparency on how government funds are spent for food production program.

this forum will hopefully enlightened common people about the region "real" situation with regard to food production issues..i hope stakeholders will participate whole heartedly on the slated event.

BUTUAN CITY IS NOW FLOOD-FREE



Butuan City and its surrounding towns in Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur are now free from floods because of the Lower Agusan Deveopment Project of the Department of Public Works and Highways. Mang Ador (Mr. Dominador Sajulga), resident and tricycle driver, expressed gratitude to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for the project. Now, he said, they can sleep soundly because they don’t worry of floods anymore even during heavy rains and strong typhoons. On top of that, traffic in the area is now smooth and free-flowing because of the completed viaduct and cut-off channel bridge, which makes his livelihood of being a tricycle driver more productive. The project is one of the priority projects of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in CARAGA Region. It is being implemented by the Cotabato-Agusan River Basin Development Project-Project Management Office (CARBDP-PMO) under Project Director Philip F. Meñez. DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane said that the project is constructed because there was an immediate need to relieve the urban and sub-urban areas of Butuan City from the recurrent flood inundation in the East Bank and West Bank of the Agusan River which is the 3rd largest river in the Philippines. According to Engineer Roger Ang, Project Manager of CARBDP-PMO, three packages of the project are already completed. These are: Package 1 – Agusan River Improvement, Cut-off Channel and Tumampi Vehicular Bridge; Package II – Construction of Magsaysay Viaduct and Cut-Off Channel Bridge; and Package III – Improvement of Banza River and Land Improvement/Construction of Resettlement Area. Engr. Ang added that the project is very important and most beneficial to Butuan City and its people because before, when the viaduct and river dike are not yet constructed, the national highway was submerged up to 3 kilometer from the old Magsaysay Bridge that caused transportation totally paralyzed during heavy rains This happened every 2 – 3 years and recently every year. With the project, the floodwater is now confined, and with the viaduct, no need to stop or divert the flow of vehicular traffic. Engr. Ang also stressed the economic and social impact provided by the project. Business activities and establishments in the area sprawled like mushroom because businessmen are now investing more since they know that Butuan City will experience flooding no more. Agricultural areas are also protected from floods. And people are worry free because they are protected also by the flood control project


http://www.dpwh.gov.ph/news/img/08/butuan.jpg

Caraga’s 1 st Barangay Bagsakan Launched in Butuan City

http://caraga.da.gov.ph/news/Pictures/newsbagsakan.jpg

Butuan City – The first Barangay Bagsakan (BB) in Caraga Region was launched at Bgy. Pagatpatan, Butuan City last March 26, 2008. Operated by the Balangayan Butuan Economic Enterprise Association, Inc (BBEEAI), the BB project is a barangay –based food depot and distribution system which enables farmers to establish a direct and effective farm – to- consumer food supply chain as well as provide a market for the bulk of the produce without passing through a multi-layered marketing system that puts the farmers most of the time at the losing end.

Among the basic goods sold are: rice, fruits and vegetables, fish , meat and poultry products, cooked and processed foods and grocery items. “ We are putting up Barangay Bagsakans because we want to give the low-income groups nutritious , affordable and safe foods, says RTD Edgardo D. Dahino who represents Director Francisco A. Ramos III of the DA –Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service during the launching ceremony. He also mentioned that in response to the call concerning hunger mitigation, the Department of Agriculture as well as the LGUs are establishing BBs to bring together producers of agricultural and fishery products to the retailers and consumers. The selection of Barangay Bagsakan site is conducted upon the receipt of letters of intent from interested LGUs indicating the proposed location and recipient after which a memorandum of agreement will be executed.

DA-Caraga’s support to the newly established Barangay Bagsakan includes a chiller, chest freezer, plastic crates and a fund support of P30T for the procurement of various goods to be sold at the center. Much more, trainings and market facilitation are among the services to be extended by the department through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) headed by Ms. Lynn A. Pareñas.

Hon. Democrito D. Plaza II , City Mayor of Butuan together with the City Council expressed their appreciation to the effort being forged between the DA-RFU-13 , LGU and the BB Operator . He said that the establishment of Barangay Bagsakan in Pagatpatan is a much awaited event for the residents because they can now avail of cheap and quality products , generating a savings in transportation cost considering its distance to the City. “ Pagatpatan is a model site for Gawad Kalinga Housing Project and at present we have at least 1,200 houses built for the purpose”, says the Chief Executive. “ We will not only provide you with houses but livelihood as well”, further stresses Mayor Plaza. He is very thankful that the city became the pioneer recipient of such project and pledged to give an additional capital of P50T for its operation. Further , he also committed to give P100T to Bgy. Pagatpatan for livelihood support.

Ms. Ronielen C. Olande , President of Balangayan Butuan Economic Enterprise Association in her response humbly accepted the challenge confirming that the success of its operation lies in their hands as recipients Also present during the event were: Former Mayor Leonides Theresa B. Plaza, Vice Mayor Dino Claudio Sanchez, Rowena Genete , DA-AMAS, SP Member Atty. Jo Marticion-Salise, SP Raul Amoc, press people , barangay officials and private sector . ( rebecca r. atega )

By Pass Highway Phase 1, Inauguration and Blessing

The new By Pass Highway which traverses Butuan's southern barangays shall be the catalyst for rapid urbanization of the city's south and eventually form the circumferential road artery for the future vast metropolis

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3100/2567800970_d0a5e50f48_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/2566978381_5dd0e6c27f_b.jpg

Actors Quarter of the Butuan Arts Guild
performing during the Butuan Leg of the Philippine Bikini 2008

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3059/2561455268_9b931576e1.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3130/2560624751_af01e4d93c.jpg?v=0

kani ayus pagka mugna....

Vice Mayor Dino Sanchez presiding over the 11th Sanggunian Panlungsod and State of City Address 2008 of the City Mayor

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3014/2567838590_2cda761f69.jpg?v=0

The City Mayor and family during his State of the City 2008 address

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3181/2567017367_e9eae3d89f.jpg?v=0

St Joseph Cathedral

http://k43.pbase.com/o2/68/842368/1/98121725.4ulthvVc.StJosephCathedral.jpg



Almont Resorts Pool at night

http://i.pbase.com/g1/68/842368/2/98312105.SEkdyseJ.jpg

Miss Bikini Philippines 2008, Butuan Eliminations Leg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3088/2561540384_0f6fccd28c_b.jpg

By Pass Highway Phase 1, Inauguration and Blessing

The new By Pass Highway which traverses Butuan's southern barangays shall be the catalyst for rapid urbanization of the city's south and eventually form the circumferential road artery for the future vast metropolis

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3100/2567800970_d0a5e50f48_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/2566978381_5dd0e6c27f_b.jpg

does it also lead to the new bridge bob?

^^ nice cars... :)

But this one is more nicer , ahehhe :jk:


Miss Bikini Philippines 2008, Butuan Eliminations Leg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3088/2561540384_0f6fccd28c_b.jpg

does it also lead to the new bridge bob?

yup Pau^^

Thursday, June 12, 2008

GEMS OF HISTORY

Visits to China older than history

By Go Bon Juan

Editor’s note: The Sixth Dr. Jose P. Rizal Awards for Excellence awarding ceremony will be held at 2 p.m., June 14, at the Kaisa-Angelo King Heritage Center on Anda and Cabildo streets, Intramuros, Manila.

Written Chinese records said Filipinos visited China in the 10th century.

At the same time, written Chinese chronicles also made notes of Chinese visitations to the Philippines that happened much later, although archeological findings in this country indicate that they were here as early as the 7th century.

“According to Chinese records, Filipinos went to China before the Chinese came to the Philippines,” wrote the late William Henry Scott, a renowned authority on Philippine prehistory in his Filipinos in China before 1500.

What Scott emphasized here is that “according to Chinese records,” which means written records, Filipinos went to China as early as 982 A.D. as recorded in Song Shi (or Sung history). Although most of us are aware that the Chinese came to the Philippines much earlier, even as early as Tang Dynasty (618 to 906 A.D.) as Tang wares excavated in the Philippines showed. However, according to written Chinese records, the earliest records of Chinese coming to the Philippines appeared much later.

Interestingly enough, the same is true for recorded names. Names of Filipinos who went to China, settled and died there, appeared much earlier than the names of the Chinese who came to the Philippines.

According to Song Shi, the King Qiling of Butuan sent his minister Li Yihan and assistant minister Jiaminan to China in 1003 in a tribute mission. And the first envoy sent by China to the Philippines (Kumalarang, now Basilan), Zhang Qian was only in 1417, more then 300 years after the envoys of the Butuan king.

The famous Sulu king, Paduka Batara, who died in Dezhou, Shandong, after paying tribute to Emperor Yong Lo in Beijing in 1417 was the first Filipino recorded to have died in China.

His two sons, Andulu and Wenhala, who were left in Dezhou in the same year to look after their father’s tomb, are the first recorded Filipinos who settled in China.

On the other hand, the earliest ever known Chinese who was recorded to have come to the Philippines was the pirate Limahong in 1574 and Pan He Wu, the leader of the Chinese rowers who mutinied and killed the Spanish Governor-General Luis Perez de Dasmariñas in 1593.

So when all is said and done, who visited whose country first? Based on written records, Filipinos journeyed, lived and died in China first. Written records made no mention of the Chinese who went to the Philippines before that. But based on historical relics found in this country, we know that visits of Chinese to the Philippines happened much earlier.

Which boils down to what matters most. The relationships between the two countries, unnoted officially, started much sooner than the records show.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/2548065254_68cfe98df6.jpg?v=0 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/21024660@N03/2547238745/)

Photo by cybermanfrankie1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/21024660@N03/2547238745/) @flickr

PEP up ones sleepy head with pan na mainit and kape at the Pugon

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/angel_dan84/Blog/20071231_61_Dinner.jpg?t=1213332759

at Margie's...Dont forget if you are a tourist to put your name in one of their art walls ^^


our Korean tourists having a good time with choco and cold barakao ^^
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/angel_dan84/Blog/20071231_63_Dinner.jpg?t=1213332888

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/angel_dan84/Blog/20071231_65_Dinner.jpg?t=1213333040

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/angel_dan84/Blog/20071231_60_Dinner.jpg?t=1213333381

Butuan jeeps

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/angel_dan84/Blog/20071231_108_Cagayan.jpg?t=1213333688

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/angel_dan84/Blog/20071231_10_Butuan.jpg?t=1213333780

Flags in City Hall Complex, overhead is the vast Malvar estate

http://www.panoramio.com/photos/original/8996675.jpg

I havent' visited yet to this place Bob. Mga tourists lang ba ang pede mag butang og signature sa wall? Next uli nako Bob DAGKU-ON jud nako pag butang ba aron SIKAT... hahahah butungan nako og "BUTUANON @ IRAQ" or IRAQI OPERATION FREEDOM... hehehhe...

Seems a lot of tourists visited in Butuan and i think dominated by Koreans. I wish I could marry one of the korean gals.. hahahaha.

at Margie's...Dont forget if you are a tourist to put your name in one of their art walls ^^


our Korean tourists having a good time with choco and cold barakao ^^
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/angel_dan84/Blog/20071231_63_Dinner.jpg?t=1213332888

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/angel_dan84/Blog/20071231_65_Dinner.jpg?t=1213333040

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/angel_dan84/Blog/20071231_60_Dinner.jpg?t=1213333381

Bob, kadto diay May 21, fiesta to sa amo-a and then we had a Madagayaong Ani Festival its a local and gisundog lang namo ang Kahimunan but we celebrated twice already. Unsaon lagi pag post Bob ba... dili lagi ko aantigo ba... post unta kog foto ba sa among local kahimunan. Tsada pod ba kay daghan man pod apil.. abot jud ang Taligaman and maybe next year daghan ang mo apil kay murag 15 thou man sa cguro ang prize... hahahah dili man lagi kaayo dako ang prize hahahaha pero at least beside sa festival sa Butuan naa pod ang among Barangay actually dili ni sya baragangay Bob its only a Purok lang..... its so happen lang man nga naa coordination and cooperation sa mga tao ba.. and with the help pod sa mga tao nga nag abroad.. hahaha wala koy labot kay gamay ra man ko sahod diri.. hahahaha.

I hope na ang ABS mag live telecast sa maong festival.. and I will invite u pod kung naa pod lagi mo sa Butuan at least magamit na ang maayong kamot nimo Bob to take fotos... kay murag mo apas man ka kang IBEX ba... na grabe talented ang mga kamot.. hahahahaha.. ako iba ang talent sa kamot oi.. hahahahah jowk...

kay murag mo apas man ka kang IBEX ba... na grabe talented ang mga kamot.. hahahahaha.. ako iba ang talent sa kamot oi.. hahahahah jowk...

A little overrated here @regjeex :lol: Bob is much better than me, neophyte pa ko :)

ok baya sa margie's mag tambay cool mga peeps didto. La mi naka sulat ug graffiti when we were there. :cheers:

at Margie's...Dont forget if you are a tourist to put your name in one of their art walls ^^


our Korean tourists having a good time with choco and cold barakao ^^
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/angel_dan84/Blog/20071231_63_Dinner.jpg?t=1213332888

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/angel_dan84/Blog/20071231_65_Dinner.jpg?t=1213333040

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/angel_dan84/Blog/20071231_60_Dinner.jpg?t=1213333381

nice to see them enjoying.

Bob,

I really enjoyed this thread. I loved all the great photos and so did my wife. She started feeling really homesick about half way thru. Our trip this year has been delayed until October to Butuan but we are looking forward to it. Thank you for sharing all the wonderful things going on in Butuan.

My wife didn't let me get a good look at the ladies in bikinis though. As you probably know Filipinas can be super jealous sometimes, lol.

I havent' visited yet to this place Bob. Mga tourists lang ba ang pede mag butang og signature sa wall? Next uli nako Bob DAGKU-ON jud nako pag butang ba aron SIKAT... hahahah butungan nako og "BUTUANON @ IRAQ" or IRAQI OPERATION FREEDOM... hehehhe...

Seems a lot of tourists visited in Butuan and i think dominated by Koreans. I wish I could marry one of the korean gals.. hahahaha.

pwede ra sab siguro mga pinoy expats and balikbayans Reg..

anyways, murag Arabo man siguro ka tan-awon....so ma ala-an pod ka nila na foreign-gers :lol: (jowk)

A little overrated here @regjeex :lol: Bob is much better than me, neophyte pa ko :)

ok baya sa margie's mag tambay cool mga peeps didto. La mi naka sulat ug graffiti when we were there. :cheers:

wala ko talent sa pag piktyur Ibex oi, pas mado kaayo ko ug kamot :)

Saturday, June 14, 2008
National Abaca Investment Forum set

THE regional office of the Fiber Industry Development Authority (Fida) announced to conduct the first National Abaca Investment Forum on September this year.

Dr. Olympio Macarayan, regional director of Fida-Southern Mindanao, said this, adding that the forum will be held in Butuan City in the Caraga Region.

"This is the first time that a national investment forum will be held. Last year, an investment forum on abaca was also held in Butuan, but it is only participated by concerned representatives from Mindanao," Macarayan said in Friday's interview.

Macarayan said the Department of Agriculture (DA) under the Mindanao cluster would sponsor the forum.

He added that they would prepare some resolutions to be passed during the forum to further improve abaca production, its quality and other concerns regarding abaca propagation.

Macarayan failed to name sample resolutions and issues to be passed for consideration.

"The forum will be participated by farmers, exporters, buyers and traders, and government agencies. The participants are limited to 250 people because the fund is also limited," Macarayan said.

Macarayan added that the forum would be held in Caraga Region.

"Caraga Region considered abaca as one of their major crops and the activities of the local government for abaca production are visible," Macarayan explained. (JGRS)

Thursday, June 12, 2008

GEMS OF HISTORY

Visits to China older than history

By Go Bon Juan

Editor’s note: The Sixth Dr. Jose P. Rizal Awards for Excellence awarding ceremony will be held at 2 p.m., June 14, at the Kaisa-Angelo King Heritage Center on Anda and Cabildo streets, Intramuros, Manila.

Written Chinese records said Filipinos visited China in the 10th century.

At the same time, written Chinese chronicles also made notes of Chinese visitations to the Philippines that happened much later, although archeological findings in this country indicate that they were here as early as the 7th century.

“According to Chinese records, Filipinos went to China before the Chinese came to the Philippines,” wrote the late William Henry Scott, a renowned authority on Philippine prehistory in his Filipinos in China before 1500.

What Scott emphasized here is that “according to Chinese records,” which means written records, Filipinos went to China as early as 982 A.D. as recorded in Song Shi (or Sung history). Although most of us are aware that the Chinese came to the Philippines much earlier, even as early as Tang Dynasty (618 to 906 A.D.) as Tang wares excavated in the Philippines showed. However, according to written Chinese records, the earliest records of Chinese coming to the Philippines appeared much later.

Interestingly enough, the same is true for recorded names. Names of Filipinos who went to China, settled and died there, appeared much earlier than the names of the Chinese who came to the Philippines.

According to Song Shi, the King Qiling of Butuan sent his minister Li Yihan and assistant minister Jiaminan to China in 1003 in a tribute mission. And the first envoy sent by China to the Philippines (Kumalarang, now Basilan), Zhang Qian was only in 1417, more then 300 years after the envoys of the Butuan king.

The famous Sulu king, Paduka Batara, who died in Dezhou, Shandong, after paying tribute to Emperor Yong Lo in Beijing in 1417 was the first Filipino recorded to have died in China.

His two sons, Andulu and Wenhala, who were left in Dezhou in the same year to look after their father’s tomb, are the first recorded Filipinos who settled in China.

On the other hand, the earliest ever known Chinese who was recorded to have come to the Philippines was the pirate Limahong in 1574 and Pan He Wu, the leader of the Chinese rowers who mutinied and killed the Spanish Governor-General Luis Perez de Dasmariñas in 1593.

So when all is said and done, who visited whose country first? Based on written records, Filipinos journeyed, lived and died in China first. Written records made no mention of the Chinese who went to the Philippines before that. But based on historical relics found in this country, we know that visits of Chinese to the Philippines happened much earlier.

Which boils down to what matters most. The relationships between the two countries, unnoted officially, started much sooner than the records show.


read somewhere of article featuring the descendants of some filipinos who went there. it also showed pics. ka-remember mo ato nga article?

Saturday, June 14, 2008
National Abaca Investment Forum set

THE regional office of the Fiber Industry Development Authority (Fida) announced to conduct the first National Abaca Investment Forum on September this year.

Dr. Olympio Macarayan, regional director of Fida-Southern Mindanao, said this, adding that the forum will be held in Butuan City in the Caraga Region.

"This is the first time that a national investment forum will be held. Last year, an investment forum on abaca was also held in Butuan, but it is only participated by concerned representatives from Mindanao," Macarayan said in Friday's interview.

Macarayan said the Department of Agriculture (DA) under the Mindanao cluster would sponsor the forum.

He added that they would prepare some resolutions to be passed during the forum to further improve abaca production, its quality and other concerns regarding abaca propagation.

Macarayan failed to name sample resolutions and issues to be passed for consideration.

"The forum will be participated by farmers, exporters, buyers and traders, and government agencies. The participants are limited to 250 people because the fund is also limited," Macarayan said.

Macarayan added that the forum would be held in Caraga Region.

"Caraga Region considered abaca as one of their major crops and the activities of the local government for abaca production are visible," Macarayan explained. (JGRS)

this raw material is getting national attention now...the govt. is quite serious on developing its potentials...the global market price for abaca is souring..in demand...plus factor for Caraga Region and Butuan

this raw material is getting national attention now...the govt. is quite serious on developing its potentials...the global market price for abaca is souring..in demand...plus factor for Caraga Region and Butuan

The National Abaca Research Center is located in Leyte but still there is a rampant infestation of abaca diseases in Eastern Visayas. I hope FIDA-Caraga will provide extra effort so that Caraga will not experience what Leyte experienced. The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) already recognized Caraga as producer of disease free planting material for abaca & banana (you can see the tarpaulin placed at the arrival area of Bancasi airport).

Bob,

I really enjoyed this thread. I loved all the great photos and so did my wife. She started feeling really homesick about half way thru. Our trip this year has been delayed until October to Butuan but we are looking forward to it. Thank you for sharing all the wonderful things going on in Butuan.

My wife didn't let me get a good look at the ladies in bikinis though. As you probably know Filipinas can be super jealous sometimes, lol.

you are always welcome small ville..:)

St. Joseph Institute of Technology Main Campus

http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/3067557.jpg

http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/3067556.jpg

Santo Nino Shrine, Libertad, Butuan City

http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/2917715.jpg

Magsaysay Bridge and Agusan River Aerial View ^^

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j97/boybleauxx/PICT0350_edited.jpg

coming up: Butuan Historical Park and Boardwalk

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j97/boybleauxx/tulay.jpg

nay timeframe ani bob kung kanus-a sugdan?

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x287/GearX_2007/2008/pal2.gif

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x287/GearX_2007/2008/pal1.gif

nay timeframe ani bob kung kanus-a sugdan?

They have started already with putting some trees along that Pau..

I think the park will be built in phases...hope to see more activities within the site..

wow, this will make butuan a model for such kind of developments. murag sa kuching, sabah, naa pud silay ing-ana.

Wow, am excited for this one....I hope set foot on Butuan again, one of these days... :)

Bay, the last time i went there, kay i heard of a plan to have another bridge connecting Butuan and the town of Magallanes...What's the news of this one?

And just recently, i learned that Urios College is now a university...Wow...Way to go Butuan... :)

wow ! so nice to see all the squatters near the river banks are all gone . :banana: nice picture !

Magsaysay Bridge and Agusan River Aerial View ^^

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j97/boybleauxx/PICT0350_edited.jpg

Wow, am excited for this one....I hope set foot on Butuan again, one of these days... :)

Bay, the last time i went there, kay i heard of a plan to have another bridge connecting Butuan and the town of Magallanes...What's the news of this one?

And just recently, i learned that Urios College is now a university...Wow...Way to go Butuan... :)

about the Third Bridge...a proposal existed among planners already...but no definite plan yet...should be a suspension type likely if built..

Long time no see James ah...

heard your a big man already at USC?

that's correct James, the airport redevelopment project is at full steam...hopefully the onfoing works at the runway wont disrupt the smooth flow of air traffic...

I guess the sikyu was wrong....3 airbuses ang ma accomodate sa tarmac...he must have thought B737-400 pa..:)

but expansion works are ongoing...expect more surprises to come on the way...^^

Lagi bai... been busy na these days. pati mga students ko na nagssc din d na rin nakaka visit sa ssc. hehe. BIG MAN? big man siguro kay nanambok na ko. hehe... dili uy! still an instructor. humble gihapon. pero strikto na. wahehe

maybe those lights kaya are used for their construction activities at night?....they ususlly work at night time to reduce disruption of flights during the day kase...

No Bob. The lights tha im talking about are the lights for the tarmac. Unfortunately i didn't took a pic eh. Anyway, it is installed like para sa tarmac talaga siya bob. and also lights for the runway are permanently installed. naka cemento. wahehe... try to sse it bob when makakauwi ka sa butuan. wahehe

wow ! so nice to see all the squatters near the river banks are all gone . :banana: nice picture !

nice indeed...:lol:

No Bob. The lights tha im talking about are the lights for the tarmac. Unfortunately i didn't took a pic eh. Anyway, it is installed like para sa tarmac talaga siya bob. and also lights for the runway are permanently installed. naka cemento. wahehe... try to sse it bob when makakauwi ka sa butuan. wahehe

Last thursday PAL PR 477 touched down in Bancasi Airport despite heavy rains and dark skies. What makes this possible was the newly installed runway and tarmac lights. The runway looks good from above with all the lights on. Red lights on both ends. blue and yellow at the sides. Flashing lights in the tarmac area. Bancasi airport is now ready for night flights. Of course the runway was already extended.

^^ oh that's a very good news... butuanons will then expect an 8pm flights to manila or 10PM to cebu. :cheers:

Last thursday PAL PR 477 touched down in Bancasi Airport despite heavy rains and dark skies. What makes this possible was the newly installed runway and tarmac lights. The runway looks good from above with all the lights on. Red lights on both ends. blue and yellow at the sides. Flashing lights in the tarmac area. Bancasi airport is now ready for night flights. Of course the runway was already extended.

wow...night flights would be nice to try...I am used to fying MNL-BXU dawn flights because its cheaper....hopefully airlines would come up with late afternoon to evening flights too:)

about the Third Bridge...a proposal existed among planners already...but no definite plan yet...should be a suspension type likely if built..

This planned bridge will not cross the Agusan River. It will cross Baug River which serves as the boundary of Butuan and Magallanes. Extending the Banza Road up north will bring you to the banks of Baug River. On the other side of the river is already Magallanes. A bridge was planned a long time ago to be constructed crossing this river to shorten road travel to Magallanes(which was part of Butuan then). When Magallanes became a separate town, the construction of the bridge was not the priority of the city anymore. Until now this bridge remained a dream.

This is foundation day i guess... kay mapuno man ang area levels ng SJIT pag foundation day... or even if naa visitors like mga artista.. hahaha

St. Joseph Institute of Technology Main Campus

http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/3067557.jpg

http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/3067556.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_b4IAx5y8ync/R5OlQdzwZzI/AAAAAAAADf8/_yR4jsMonZU/IMG_3153.JPG

One-Stop Action Center for business now open in Caraga
by Brenda B. Carvers and Grace S. Tocmo
PIA News

Butuan City (26 June) -- Caraga Region's One Stop Action Center, otherwise known as National Economic Research and Business Center (NERBAC) is now open to serve clients in the region.

NERBAC-Caraga is a center that provides prospective entrepreneurs and investors their business licensing needs and information on business options based on the investment priorities of the region.

center is created by virtue of Republic Act 7470 otherwise known as the "National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center of the Philippines Act of 1992, authored by one of our leaders – the late Agusan del Sur Congressman Democrito Plaza.

Its creation is in support of the government's policy to provide necessary and strategic economic and business information and research assistance to speed up the process and encourage the growth of entrepreneurship.

The immediate establishment of the center is likewise endorsed and approved by the Regional Development Council.

NERBAC-Caraga's cooperating institutions include regional line agencies, local government units, chambers of commerce and other non-government organizations all providing support to the center's business licensing and registration, investment marketing and facilitation and knowledge management services.

Composing the NERBAC Board of Advisers are the regional directors of the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, National Economic Development Authority, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Department of the Interior and Local Government representing the government sector.

The other members from the private sector include – the heads of the Regional Investment and Export Promotion Committee, Eastern Mindanao Business Council, Butuan Chamber, Philexport-Caraga, and Father Saturnino Urios University.

Located at the 3rd level of D&V Plaza Building, JC Aquino Avenue, Butuan City, investors, entrepreneurs and researchers are welcome to visit the center. It is open Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the afternoon. (DTI-13/PIA-Caraga)

DOTC reclassifies RP's airports
Butuan Airport Now A Principal Class 1 Category Facility

By Lynda B. Valencia

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MANILA,(PNA) -- Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Leandro R. Mendoza ordered recently the reclassification of airports to improve the management of the nautical airport system as well as upgrade, modernize and enhance the civil aviation safety in the Philippines.

Mendoza said the new classification of airports is pursuant to the Philippine Transport Strategic Study and the Civil Aviation Master Plan developed in 1992, identifying the need to revise the country’s airport classification.

The need for classification was also reiterated in the recent Master Plan Study on the Strategy for the Improvement of National Airports in the Philippines conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Under the issued Department Order No. 2008-06, the criteria that shall be considered in the reclassification of airports are: simplicity, transparency, degree of rigidity, ease of up-date, linkage with facility planning, linkage with policy formulation, and linkage with regulatory requirements.

The Air Transportation Office (ATO), which was renamed Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) by virtue of Republic Act No. 9497, otherwise known as CAAP Act of 2008, will initiate the up-dating of classification of national airports in the Philippines.

Updating of the reclassification will be done every three years or as the need arises.

Based on the criteria, the new classification are as follows:

International airports – These are airports with border control facility used for international flights such as Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), Davao, Zamboanga, Puerto Princesa, General Santos, Laoag, Clark, Subic and Kalibo.

Principal airports – These are airports used for domestic scheduled flights. These are classified into Class 1 which are used for jet services (jet aircraft including B737, A320, DC9 or greater, which has equal to or more than 100-seats capacity) and Class 2 which are used for prop services (prop aircraft of jet aircraft smaller than those indicated in Class 1, which has equal to more than 19-seat capacity).

Fifteen airports under Principal Class 1 classification are the Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Dumaguete, Butuan, Legazpi, Cotabato, Roxas, Dipolog, Naga, San Jose, Tuguegarao, and Pagadian.

For Principal Class 2 classification, there are 19 airports and these are the Caticlan, Busuanga, Basco, Masbate, Baguio, Virac, Catarman, Surigao, Calbayog, Jolo, Tandag, Camiguin, Sanga-Sanga, Siargao, Cuyo, Romblon, Marinduque, Antique and Ormoc.

Community airports – Used for general aviation that includes 40 airports such as Plaridel, Cauayan, Palanan, Lubang, Vigan, San Fernando, Iba, Bagabag, Lingayen, Jomalig, Guiuan, Maburao, Baler, Iligan, Hilonogs, Allah Valley, Siquijor, Daet, Ipil, Bulan, Sorsogon, Liloy, Cagayan de Sulu, Rosales, Alabat, Bantayan, Biliran, Bislig, Borongan, Calapan, Catbalogan, Itbayat, Maasin, Malabang, Mati, Ozamis, Pinamalayan, Siocon, Ubay and Wasig. (PNA)

Cebu Pacific Adds Morning Flights to Butuan

source : http://www.cebupacificairlines.ph/cebu-pacific-adds-morning-flights-to-gensan-bu...

Cebu Pacific (CEB), the country’s leading domestic airline, will expand its existing daily mid-day service from Manila to General Santos and Butuan on July 11 and 12, 2008, respectively.

Cebu Pacific will add a morning flight to its Manila-General Santos service every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, expanding the service to ten times weekly. This translates to a 42% increase in capacity for the Manila-General Santos route.

The additional flight will depart from Manila at 7:05am and will arrive in General Santos at 8:55am using Cebu Pacific’s A320 aircraft. The return flight takes off at 9:25am and lands in Manila at 11:15am.

The budget airline will also increase its daily flights from Manila to Butuan to 11 times weekly, increasing the capacity by 57% for the service. The additional morning flight will depart every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday also using the A320 aircraft.

The flight leaves Manila at 7:35am and arrives in Butuan at 9:00am. The return flight departs at 9:30am and arrives in Manila at 10:55am.

Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific VP for marketing and product, said, “We hope that by adding morning flights to the existing daily mid-day schedule for these routes, we will be able to provide ease and convenience for both business and leisure travelers both to General Santos and Butuan. This will also mean that more low fare seats are going to be available for these routes.”

Now in its 13th year, Cebu Pacific operates flights to 23, soon to be 24 domestic cities with the addition of San Jose (Mindoro) on July 1. It also flies to 15, soon to be 16 international destinations with the addition of Kota Kinabalu on July 18, 2008.
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JEZL LAE JUMONONG, a student of Father Saturnino Urios University won as the "Ultimate Pinoy Sports Idol" for the season 5 of the TV program "PINOY SPORTS IDOL" besting 12 other hopefuls from all over the country. This TV program is aired over NBN 4. Ms Jumonong is a Taekwondo Champion.

Photo-op at the Bridge
:)

http://www.mvp.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/elizabethmelchor.jpg

Anyone care to post the new campus of FSUU? Classes already been started today.

Anyone care to post the new campus of FSUU? Classes already been started today.

James kindly check it at Butuan New Architectural Thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=539048&page=30)... it was taken a week before the class start though...

CeButuan PAL Express Bombardier 300 plane in Bancasi
http://blog54.fc2.com/g/geokun/file/2008060916.jpg

Butuan's Green Taxi

http://www.worldpath.net/~nranh/Jayzel/images/9%2026%2005/phil0463.JPG

Balanghai Hotel Pool and Garden

http://www.openholidayguide.de/data/urlaubsbilder/mittel/154/1155981071.jpg

Stephen Sy Gaisano

http://www.agusanfilchinese.org/images/party.jpg

STEPHEN SY GAISANO, JR. - NEW ADDITION TO ROSTER OF MEMBERS

Butuan,Agusan Chinese Chamber

FilChinese Chamber Newsletter Vol. V No. 3

During the Induction of Officers of the Amity Club of Cagayan de Oro City, members of the local Amity Club were invited, Engr. Bonpin and Felipe Gumagay among them. They were approached by Stephen Gaisano, Jr. who wondered aloud why in the four years presence of the Gaisano Mall in Butuan City, he had not been asked to join the local Chamber?

Perplexed because he did not know the answer, Engr. Bonpin referred the big question to us. So we told the latter that we had sent an application form to him through his Butuan Office, that we had followed it up but it seemed that it got lost somewhere. We reminded Engr. Bonpin that when the request of the firm for tax incentives from the Butuan City Investment Board was taken up, we had joined the other Board members in approving it. During their inauguration, we were there with our Congratulatory Floral Arrangement and we even helped in the introduction of the local officials to the management. When nothing happened to the application form, we asked Hugo Un, one of their suppliers and a Chamber Director, who frequently visits their local and even Cagayan office on business, to follow it up but still nothing happened. So we thought Mr. Gaisano was too busy to attend to it.

With the latest development, we immediately wrote a letter enclosing another Application Form which after about two weeks resulted in our being called by Ms Gina Go, Gaisano Mall Butuan manager to her office. We received his letter with his properly filled up Application Form. And we were pleasantly surprised to find a check for P120,000.00 as his Donation for our projects. We immediately wrote a letter of thanks with an Official Receipt to acknowledge his generous donation.

This donation, which was not directly solicited, is especially precious. During our discussion with other officers, we decided that since our existing projects do not need additional funding, we might decide to revive the dormant Volunteer Fire Brigade initially with our Lion Dance Troupe as members. Once organized and should Mr. Gaisano need additional manpower for his Fire Truck, we could coordinate with his own Fire Prevention Team to show our whole-hearted cooperation.

There is a saying that when you want something done, give it to a busy man. It has always been a dream of Butuan City, that there would be a new addition to its fire fighting equipment. Efforts had been made to secure one, first, by approaching other Chambers for advice regarding their source of fire trucks, then the procedure in their acquisition, then with the LGU and finally the formation of a Volunteer Fire Brigade. These had been assigned to our young, dynamic and active Vice President and Area Representative Engr. Aniceto Bonpin, Jr.

All these had been done and through a concerted effort. Even the help of the Regional Office of the NEDA had been sought and its suggestion followed with a MOA with the City Government prepared. However, the authority of the Sangguniang Panglungsod for the City Mayor to sign the MOA needed further discussions. Further hearings got sidelined by the last election fever so everything came to a standstill. This is what we plan to revive.

Agusan River and Magsaysay Bridge

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3116/2629495691_b84816c9aa_o.jpg

It is encouraging to read that plans are in place and have already been implemented to improve Butuan.

Personally, I think they should do much much more to attract tourism both home and foreign to Butuan.

Transport links are a complete joke. As a for instance. My wife and I will be in Butuan this coming October. We will fly into Cebu Airport. I have been trying to find out the shipping schedules from Cebu to Nasipit for that time. The shcedules have not been released yet. How can they encouirage peole to Butuan with service like that.

In days gone by there used to be two flights daily from Cebu to Butuan. Now there are about three a week. It's crazy.

Nice to know they are planning to dredge the Agusan River. Also in days gone by ships used to sail up that River right into the heart of Butuan. Wouldn't it be great if the fast 'sea-cat' service operate from Cebut to Butuan right into the heart of Butuan.

That is what they need to do to attract visitors etc. Not send them 20 miles away to Nasipit. A tourist wants convenience and ease of access.

Hopefully they will be serious about developing the Waterfront area. That is Butuan's main asset! Use it!! What is happening with the Boardwalk project? On the back burner for a few years presumably. Another white elephant like the 'sports complex'?

In conclusion. butuan is a place I love and I want it to improve. It has so much to offer.

Welcome to SSC @doofus. Enjoy reading and keep posting...^^

It is encouraging to read that plans are in place and have already been implemented to improve Butuan.

Personally, I think they should do much much more to attract tourism both home and foreign to Butuan.

Transport links are a complete joke. As a for instance. My wife and I will be in Butuan this coming October. We will fly into Cebu Airport. I have been trying to find out the shipping schedules from Cebu to Nasipit for that time. The shcedules have not been released yet. How can they encouirage peole to Butuan with service like that.

In days gone by there used to be two flights daily from Cebu to Butuan. Now there are about three a week. It's crazy.

Nice to know they are planning to dredge the Agusan River. Also in days gone by ships used to sail up that River right into the heart of Butuan. Wouldn't it be great if the fast 'sea-cat' service operate from Cebut to Butuan right into the heart of Butuan.

That is what they need to do to attract visitors etc. Not send them 20 miles away to Nasipit. A tourist wants convenience and ease of access.

Hopefully they will be serious about developing the Waterfront area. That is Butuan's main asset! Use it!! What is happening with the Boardwalk project? On the back burner for a few years presumably. Another white elephant like the 'sports complex'?

In conclusion. butuan is a place I love and I want it to improve. It has so much to offer.


At present Cebu Pacific flies Cebu-Butuan MWF using an Airbus 319 plane with a capacity of 150 seats. PALExpress also flies daily using a 50 seater Bombardier Q300 plane. That is 750 seats a week. You can book your ticket online. Just log on to http://www.cebupacificair.com or http://www.philippineairlines.com

More seats are available for the Manila-Butuan air route. PAL flies 11 flights a week using Airbus319 for a total of 1485 seats a week. Cebu Pacific also flies 11 flights a week using Airbus320 for a total of 1936 seats a week. Thus there are 3421 available seats per week for Manila-Butuan.

In the 90s PAL flies twice daily Cebu-Butuan using the 36 seater SD300 shorts for a total of 504 seats a week.

Waterjet was suppose to serve Butuan in the past together with Grand Air but these companies went bankrupt even before they can start business in Butuan.

October is still several months away, it will be cheaper to book a flight for your travel from Cebu to Butuan than taking a boat ride(except if you take the economy accommodation on the boat).

The present size of the ships serving Nasipit cannot navigate the Agusan River anymore. Maybe this is the reason passenger vessels are not docking in Butuan Inland Port anymore. Some good news though, Lumbocan Port is being developed right now. Once finished it will be a good alternate port for passenger vessels.

Four shipping companies are serving the Cebu-Butuan(via Nasipit) route.
Cebu Ferries - 2xweek (online reservation is available)
Gothong Southern - 2xweek
SulpicioLines - 4xweek

For Manila-Butuan(via Nasipit)
Superferry - 2xweek
Gothong Southern - 2xweek
Sulpicio Lines - 1xweek

For Iloilo-Butuan(via Nasipit)
Superferry - 1xweek

For Bacolod-Butuan(via Nasipit)
Superferry - 1xweek

For Jagna-Butuan(via Nasipit)
Cebu Ferries - 1xweek
Sulpicio Lines - 1xweek

It is encouraging to read that plans are in place and have already been implemented to improve Butuan.

Personally, I think they should do much much more to attract tourism both home and foreign to Butuan.

Transport links are a complete joke. As a for instance. My wife and I will be in Butuan this coming October. We will fly into Cebu Airport. I have been trying to find out the shipping schedules from Cebu to Nasipit for that time. The shcedules have not been released yet. How can they encouirage peole to Butuan with service like that.

In days gone by there used to be two flights daily from Cebu to Butuan. Now there are about three a week. It's crazy.

Nice to know they are planning to dredge the Agusan River. Also in days gone by ships used to sail up that River right into the heart of Butuan. Wouldn't it be great if the fast 'sea-cat' service operate from Cebut to Butuan right into the heart of Butuan.

That is what they need to do to attract visitors etc. Not send them 20 miles away to Nasipit. A tourist wants convenience and ease of access.

Hopefully they will be serious about developing the Waterfront area. That is Butuan's main asset! Use it!! What is happening with the Boardwalk project? On the back burner for a few years presumably. Another white elephant like the 'sports complex'?

In conclusion. butuan is a place I love and I want it to improve. It has so much to offer.

there is a shift now from riding the ferries to airbuses regarding linkages to Butuan..whether your from Manila or Cebu..

Cebu-Butuan link has significantly improved contrary to what you mentioned...In the past few seats can onlky be accomodated by PAL sunrisers (even if they are operating 2x daily then)...but now, we have Airbus 319 by Cebu Pacific 3x weekly and PAL with their Bombardier Turbo Prop planes Daily...

I guess the Boardwalk Project is not on the top list of priority for the moment as the city nis bent on more high economic impact projects... economics supersedes aesthetics..

-edit-

Bob,
Can't say as I fully agree with you. I somehow preferred a twice daily service from Cebu to Butuan. I always go fro more choice that a less frequent service with more seats that may go unfilled anyway. I remember using the old planes in the 70's/80's before the sunrisers.

Also it is worth remembering that the flights in recent years Cebu/Butuan have been withdrawn many times and then reinstated months after. Needs consistency.

I still think Butuan has a long way to go in understanding the needs of the tourist. You never know some of those tourists may eventually become businesmen in Butuan in the future.

You stated "economics supersedes aesthetics". I somehow think they go hand in hand especially in the case of the Boardwalk Project. To me the Waterfront area could be the Jewel in Butuan's Crown if they could just realise it.

I know I am in a 'dream world' but it costs nothing to dream!

Wouldn't it also be a good idea if there was a ferry connection from Nasipit to Camiguin. To get there you have to take a bus from Nasipit to Balingoan and then walk to the ferry. If only everything could somehow be 'connected up', get my drift.

Bob-Bxu,
I have checked some back pages on this forum and do owe an aopogy for not checking it out before. It does look as though air services from Cebu to Butuan are being increased by wht you have said.

I noticed that you posted info that PAL are to operate and may well be operating now, a daily service to butuan from Cebu. This coming October I will be interested in the flight leaving on Saturday morning as my International flight arrives late on the Friday evening. Have you any idea if PAL are still running the service.

Another question. You said that there are flights from BXU to caticlan via Cebu. that is great news. Can one be 'ticketed' all the way through from check-in at BXU. That includes luggage etc.

thanks.

the PAL Cebu Hub (of which Cebu-Butuan link belongs) was discontinued I believed in the late nineties due to PALs streamlining of operations...with a shift of service to jets serving airports capable of handling jet flights. At that time then, its only Manila that is air-linked with Butuan...leaving Butuan-Cebu link under the mercy of mediocre to poor ferry company services...

it was in early 2000 when Sea Air re-introduced Butuan-Cebu link...using planes that were smaller than sunrisers....the service did not get enough patronage due to costs and comfort versus to cheaper ferries...then came Air Philippines with their B737-200 125 seat jet...serving the link 3 to 4 times a week max..the price tag for a seat at that time were not competitive then as the route has no competitor..and so the service did not last long..

it was during late 2000s that Cebu Pacific re-introduced Cebu-Butuan link with more consistency... with twice to thrice(during season) a week...

lately, when prices of tickets went to all time low with their seat sales...the shift from ferries to plane rides become strong and so the schedule became consistent and regular...the demand became big at this sector (and so is the phenomena with destinations around Cebu)...that PAL re established once again their Cebu Hub with now daily service to Butuan...

the ferry service from Nasipit or even in Masao, Butuan to Camiguin is a nice idea...but I guess that would depend on the pace of tourism development AT Camiguin's end, in attracting domestic tourists from Butuan side too..

Maybe this October, kindly share your thoughts with this Boardwalk Project with the Mayor himself...I hope this will become a high priority program too...Right now, the mayor is bent on the establishment of the Agusan River Cruise...

Lion Dancing in the City

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2080/2287314982_a99f36db3b.jpg?v=0

LION DANCE FUND RAISING

Butuan Chinese Chamber Newsletter Vol. V No. 2

During the New Year’s Eve festivities, we had announced that the Lion Dance Troupe would be performing in the different stores to wish them good luck, good health and prosperity, and with the purpose of raising funds for the troupe members’ uniforms, repair of the paraphernalia and other purposes.

At eight o’clock on New Year’s Day, the troupe with Executive Vice Pres. Aniceto Bonpin, Jr., leading them together with Ms Lydia Condino and Mr. Ronald Ucab, troupe leader they started their performances at the Life Hardware and Bakery. From there they went from one Filipino-Chinese or Chinese store to another, resting only to take some refreshment or have lunch.

It was an enjoyable but grueling performance no doubt, and we had anticipated it so we had trained more troupe members as substitutes. At about ten o’clock, the troupe went to the Gaisano Mall where they performed at the main lobby to the delight of their customers. After lunch, they went to the City Hall where they performed at the central atrium, watched by a huge crowd of taxpayers and city hall employees.

In the afternoon, they continued with their solicitation visit, resuming from where they had left off that morning. After a tiring and exhaustive performance, the troupe called it a day after having performed before some 35 business establishments.

As there were more stores still to be visited, the troupe visited again the next day. Some of the store owners voiced their sentiments that they would have preferred to be visited on New Year’s Day itself. However, it was simply impossible to have visited all of them, more than 50 stores lined up, in just one day, especially since some of the special requests such as the City Hall, the Gaisano Mall, the Wing Un, Inc. and a few others were far between.

Still, there were others who were not included in the list who likewise requested to be visited next year. The amount raised during the two day performance less expenses, was enough for the intended purposes. To avoid future complaints, it would be ideal to acquire another Lion Dance paraphernalia so that there would be a pair, and each one could visit half of the listed stores. But this is still not possible, unless some generous person would volunteer to donate the set.

We really have to commend Mr. Ronald Ucab who had trained a very disciplined troupe. They enjoyed the experience and never complained, were content with just refreshment and lunch and a little pocket money. We likewise express our gratitude to Engr. Aniceto Bonpin, Jr. for leading the troupe the first day. But most of all to Ms Lydia O. Condino, the front liner in approaching the various store owners. Hers is really a thankless job that can sometimes make her impatient or even angry because of problems encountered. Without her perseverance however, the fund raising would not have been this successful

Bob,
I was pleased that the info on PAL operating between Cebu and Butuan was put on this site. I have checked their web site and some reasonably priced tickets are still available.

Once again it more or less proves my point that that sort of info does not seem to be made readily available. For instance, news like that should be put on that new Caraga website. As should news of the Agusan River Cruise. This would be of immense help to foreign passengers travelling to Butuan.
Do we know if the "River Cruise" is operating yet. What sort of information is available. When and where does it leave and go to. How much does it cost. What sort of craft is used. What facilities are there on board ie bar, restaurant, viewing decks etc. How many times a day does it operate. What safety precautions are in place. Does one have to book in advance to be sure of a place. How much does it cost.

I assume all that info is available if the idea has already been 'leaked'.

I am all for improvements like this. It just reinforces my arguement for an improved Waterfront area with the Boardwalk taking a more important role.

They could even go a step further and arrange 'package deals' with airlines and hotels etc -- if they get it right at the start then who knows what it would lead to.

It is just my 'hope' that the Mayor has a bigger vision for the Cruise ad sees the bigger picture for Butuan.

When I first read about it it did make me smile a bit. I can recall many years ago taking the small boat near that old clothing market on the river, to Magallanes. That was quite a nice 'Cruise' and all for 5 pesos return!

Many thanks

a repost

River Cruises booking and info is available at the City Tourism Office or at their Kiosk at Rizal Park...

Agusan River Cruise

http://images.kittsmd.multiply.com/image/3/photos/14/orig/9/P1250374.JPG?et=xFKfegOLYg8BRr%2CKRV6rcA&nmid=80406961

http://images.kittsmd.multiply.com/image/4/photos/14/orig/6/P1250369.JPG?et=5BHRgTN0zdM5%2ConS0yuZwA&nmid=80406961

Magsaysay Bridge

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/2637551997_fbe401066a_o.jpg

Bob-Bxu,
I have checked some back pages on this forum and do owe an aopogy for not checking it out before. It does look as though air services from Cebu to Butuan are being increased by wht you have said.

I noticed that you posted info that PAL are to operate and may well be operating now, a daily service to butuan from Cebu. This coming October I will be interested in the flight leaving on Saturday morning as my International flight arrives late on the Friday evening. Have you any idea if PAL are still running the service.

Another question. You said that there are flights from BXU to caticlan via Cebu. that is great news. Can one be 'ticketed' all the way through from check-in at BXU. That includes luggage etc.

thanks.

Yes, passengers from Butuan to Boracay do not have to disembark in Cebu. There is only a 30 minute stopover before the plane flies again.

Do book your Cebu-Butuan leg now if you are flying PALExpress on a saturday. The plane PALExpress is using on this leg can carry 50 passengers only. Cebu Pacific do not have a flight from Cebu to Butuan on saturdays.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x287/GearX_2007/2008/pal2.gif

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x287/GearX_2007/2008/pal1.gif

WOW! PALAFOX!:) im expectin' sumthin great! cheers!:cheers:

One problem that I personally have have had using the PAL website to book a flight. They do not accept Visa Debit cards. Very odd that but once again it is an example of not getting everything right. I was advised to use an 'agent' in the UK. I contacted the 'agent' and was quoted a price 4 times the on-line price.

The other thing about the service Butuan to Caticlan with PAL that was mentioned. The PAL website does not show that route. Therefore it is impossible to book a flight.

Are you sure that the Agusan River Cruise is up and running and tickets are being sold.

Kronology,

Great pics of the proposed project. From what I have been hearing from certain peole in Butuan-- that is all they are -- nice pics. The chances of it ever happening were classed as 'poor' at best. That saddens me a lot.

wow...night flights would be nice to try...I am used to fying MNL-BXU dawn flights because its cheaper....hopefully airlines would come up with late afternoon to evening flights too:)

It would also be extremely useful as a connection for International flights. Generally speaking International flights arrive late afternoon/early evening. One then has to stay overnight in Manila(and who wants to do that!) or stay overnight in the terminal.

Same for Cebu as well.

One problem that I personally have have had using the PAL website to book a flight. They do not accept Visa Debit cards. Very odd that but once again it is an example of not getting everything right. I was advised to use an 'agent' in the UK. I contacted the 'agent' and was quoted a price 4 times the on-line price.

The other thing about the service Butuan to Caticlan with PAL that was mentioned. The PAL website does not show that route. Therefore it is impossible to book a flight.

Are you sure that the Agusan River Cruise is up and running and tickets are being sold.

PAL online booking for domestic routes is only for direct flights. You have to book Butuan-Cebu then Cebu-Caticlan. You do not have to disembark at Cebu though. Cebu Pacific online booking facilitates connecting flights.

PAL online booking for domestic routes is only for direct flights. You have to book Butuan-Cebu then Cebu-Caticlan. You do not have to disembark at Cebu though. Cebu Pacific online booking facilitates connecting flights.


Thanks for that. It is good Caebu Pacific operate that route. They seem to be easy to deal with and to book through-- that is assuming they don't withdraw flights to/fro Butuan as happened in the past!

I have a feeling that River Cruise is getting mixed up with the boat that goes to/fro Butuan to Magallanes!

PAL online booking for domestic routes is only for direct flights. You have to book Butuan-Cebu then Cebu-Caticlan. You do not have to disembark at Cebu though. Cebu Pacific online booking facilitates connecting flights.

Forgot to ask.

Do you know of any other routes that CebuPacific do like Butuan to Caticlan that one does not have to disembark. I was thinking of Davoa, Ilo-Ilo, Bacolod, Maasin etc. Places like that. It would make life so much easier if they did and be of enormous benefit to tourists and local alike.

Thanks

Forgot to ask.

Do you know of any other routes that CebuPacific do like Butuan to Caticlan that one does not have to disembark. I was thinking of Davoa, Ilo-Ilo, Bacolod, Maasin etc. Places like that. It would make life so much easier if they did and be of enormous benefit to tourists and local alike.

Thanks

Sad to say, Caticlan airport cannot accommodate airbuses. Cebu Pacific deploys an airbus 319 for the Butuan-Cebu route. Asdide from that, connection within the day is not possible for their ATR plane leaves Cebu for Caticlan even before the plane from Butuan arrives.

Through PAL, you will be in Caticlan from Butuan in 1 hour and 30 minutes (this 30 minutes is the stop over in Cebu). Because of this I hope you can still forgive the inconvenience in booking separately the Butuan-Cebu and Cebu-Butuan legs.

Sad to say, Caticlan airport cannot accommodate airbuses. Cebu Pacific deploys an airbus 319 for the Butuan-Cebu route. Asdide from that, connection within the day is not possible for their ATR plane leaves Cebu for Caticlan even before the plane from Butuan arrives.

Through PAL, you will be in Caticlan from Butuan in 1 hour and 30 minutes (this 30 minutes is the stop over in Cebu). Because of this I hope you can still forgive the inconvenience in booking separately the Butuan-Cebu and Cebu-Butuan legs.

Although I don't want to knock the idea of a route Butuan to Caticlan-- it does seem strange to me the way it is 'organised' and seems flawed. You can purchase flights for Butuan to Caticlan with two seperate tickets and you do not have to leave the plane at Cebu. The problem is what will happen if the 'leg' Cebu to Caticlan,using the plane that originates en provenance Butuan, is fully booked? Surely that is a distinct probablility! Passengers joining the pane at Butuan would then have to leave the plane at Cebu. I do hope you see my drift here.

I am all for extending new routes for Butuan. It has been poorly served for so long. BUT let's get everything right at the onset and market it accordingly.

Kronology,

Great pics of the proposed project. From what I have been hearing from certain peole in Butuan-- that is all they are -- nice pics. The chances of it ever happening were classed as 'poor' at best. That saddens me a lot.

aw... too bad to hear it. but i hope they would do great this time.:)

Although I don't want to knock the idea of a route Butuan to Caticlan-- it does seem strange to me the way it is 'organised' and seems flawed. You can purchase flights for Butuan to Caticlan with two seperate tickets and you do not have to leave the plane at Cebu. The problem is what will happen if the 'leg' Cebu to Caticlan,using the plane that originates en provenance Butuan, is fully booked? Surely that is a distinct probablility! Passengers joining the pane at Butuan would then have to leave the plane at Cebu. I do hope you see my drift here.

I am all for extending new routes for Butuan. It has been poorly served for so long. BUT let's get everything right at the onset and market it accordingly.

Actually if you book through a travel agency or at PAL offices. You will only have one ticket. The problem is that the online-booking program of PAL do not allow connecting flights. A weakness that must be corrected. By the way, you can check flight availability for Butuan-Cebu and Cebu-Caticlan online hence you will see if you can reach your final destination.

If time will come when tourist movement between Boracay and Caraga is enough for a direct flight, I believe PAL will surely provide one.

LATEST PHILIPPINE CITIES COMPETITIVENESS RANKING PROJECT 2007 FINALLY RELEASED

http://www.aim.edu.ph/graphics_new/aimlogo_top.jpg


full report source: http://www.policy.aim.edu/downloads/PCCRP%202007/PCCRP%202007%20Summary%20of%20R...

The Asian Institute for Management Policy Center has finally released their 2007 survey among the different cities across the country.

However, unlike their previous reports, AIM decided not to rank the cities this time, but instead they presented the over-all raw scores of the cities.

Following their format, the cities are grouped or classified according to their size. A Metropolitan city for example is compared with other cities within the Metro City category group and so were the cities under Mid or Medium sized and Small City categories.

The cities are measured according to criteria or drivers:
1. Cost of Doing Business
2. Dynamism of Local Economy
3. Human Resource Training
4. Infrastructure
5. LGU Responsiveness
6. Quality of Life

Quality of life is considered one of the yardsticks in determining which cities have successfully developed and which have succumbed to the ills of urbanization.

Among the relevant aspects of quality of life are social welfare of the people, peace, and order, quality of living environment, and local amenities.

The following is the list of Medium Sized Cities Arranged according from the highest score to the lowest score. (perfect score of 10)

Over All Nationwide Rank Scoring ( Medium Size City Category) - All Criteria Considered

1. Olongapo City - 7.05
2. General Santos - 6.94
3. Tarlac City - 6.80
4. San Pablo City - 6.75
5. Cabanatuan - 6.74
6. Tagum City - 6.66
7. Lucena City - 6.64
8. Iloilo City - 6.60
9. Butuan City - 6.58
9. Angeles City - 6.58
10. San Fernando City - 6.54
11. Cagayan de Oro - 6.49
11. Tacloban City - 6.49
12. Lipa City - 6.48
13. Iligan City - 6.42
14. Puerto Princesa - 6.34
14. Bacolod City - 6.30
15. Baguio City - 6.27
16. Zamboanga - 6.19
17. Batangas City - 6.14


Medium Size Cities According to Individual Criteria: (Breakdown Scorings)

A. Cheapest Cost of Doing Business

1. Tagum City - 9.31
2. Butuan City - 9.21
3. San Fernando, Pampanga - 8.82
4. General Santos City - 8.68
5. Cagayan de Oro - 8.64
6. Zamboanga City - 8.45
7. Puerto Princesa City - 8.23
8. Olongapo City - 8.17
9. Lucena City - 8.16
10. Angeles City - 8.15
10. Bacolod City - 8.15


B. Dynamism of Local Economy

1. Tarlac City - 5.36
2. Baguio City - 5.33
3. San Pablo City - 5.14
4. General Santos - 4.90
5. Antipolo City - 4.87
6. Iloilo City - 4.75
7. Lipa City - 4.67
8. Cagayan de Oro - 4.60
9. Lucena City - 4.39
10. Butuan City - 4.38
11. Tacloban City - 4.35
12. Bacolod City - 3.93
13. Batangas City - 3.72
14. Tagum City - 3.64
15. Puerto Princesa - 3.54
16. San Jose del Monte - 3.50
17. Zamboanga City - 3.37


C. Infrastructure

1. General Santos City - 8.06
2. Tagum City - 8.05
3. Olongapo City - 7.76
4. Batangas City - 7.60
5. San Pablo City - 7.57
6. Angeles City - 7.49
7. Puerto Princesa - 7.48
8. Tacloban City - 7.44
9. Iloilo City - 7.40
10. Cabanatuan City - 7.32
11. Zamboanga City - 7.27
12. Butuan City - 7.20
13. Lucena City - 7.17
14. Lipa City - 7.16
15. Cagayan de Oro - 7.08
16. Iligan City - 6.91
17. Antipolo City - 6.11


D. Human Resource and Training

1. Lucena City - 8.66
2. Olongapo City - 8.55
3. General Santos City - 8.26
4. Cabanatuan City - 8.22
5. San Pablo City - 8.12
6. Iligan City - 8.11
7. San Fernando City - 8.08
8. San Jose del Monte - 8.01
9. Angeles City - 7.95
10. Tacloban City - 7.88
11. Tagum City - 7.87
12. Iloilo City - 7.79
12. Tarlac City - 7.79
13. Batangas City - 7.76
14. Lipa City - 7.37
15. Butuan City - 7.23
16. Bacolod City - 6.81
17. Cagayan de Oro - 6.73


E. LGU Responsiveness
1. Tagum City - 8.57
2. Puerto Princesa City - 7.53
3. Olongapo City - 7.48
4. Tarlac City - 7.34
5. San Fernando City - 7.10
6. Cabanatuan City - 7.03
7. General Santos - 6.99
8. Batangas City - 6.97
9. Iloilo City - 6.87
10. Lipa City - 6.79
11. Lucena City - 6.72
12. Angeles City - 6.57
13. Bacolod City - 6.40
14. Iligan City - 6.27
15. Butuan City - 6.24
15. Cagayan de Oro - 6.24
16. Antipolo City - 6.04


F. Quality of Life

1. Cabanatuan City - 7.17
2. Angeles City - 7.11
3. Tacloban City - 7.10
4. Olongapo City - 7.06
5. Bacolod City - 7.05
6. Cagayan de Oro - 6.88
7. Iloilo City - 6.75
8. Butuan City - 6.71
9. San Pablo City - 6.68
10. Iligan City - 6.53
11. Lucena City - 6.23
12. Puerto Princesa - 6.22
13. Lipa City - 6.12
14. General Santos City - 6.09
15. Zamboanga City - 6.04
16. Antipolo City - 5.04
17. Tagum City - 4.57


Full Report Can be downloaded from: click the link
http://www.policy.aim.edu/downloads/PCCRP%202007/PCCRP%202007%20Summary%20of%20R...


congrats to Butuan City for being in top 10^^

aim high some more next time:cheers:

congrats butuan for making it to the top!

congrats butuan for making it to the top!

today at top 10.....aiming for top 1 hopefully soon ^^

today at top 10.....aiming for top 1 hopefully soon ^^

Congrats din Bob... :cheers: Burger burger :lol:

Good for Butuan! Anyway, i just saw the recent pics of FSUU Morelos posted on the other thread. I was really amazed. Cool design. I hope i can go there by August.... maybe for an official visit. Wahehe

Good for Butuan! Anyway, i just saw the recent pics of FSUU Morelos posted on the other thread. I was really amazed. Cool design. I hope i can go there by August.... maybe for an official visit. Wahehe

wow, an official visit by a green Carolinian Professor and a true blue Urian Alumni at that...^^

burger burger burger^^

PPA Grounds

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3172/2635788900_41acdbdcda.jpg?v=0

^^ tinood na nga trunk bob ?

^^ tinood na nga trunk bob ?

semento ra na siya oi....mahal na ang kahoy karon...

weird ang pagka plastar sa benches....dapat they should be facing the river not away from it...:nuts:

looks like the works of PTA philippine tourism authority... baduy.

looks like the works of PTA philippine tourism authority... baduy.

:lol::lol::lol:

PPA Grounds

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3172/2635788900_41acdbdcda.jpg?v=0

nice one!

[QOUTE=BOB-bXu;22443586]semento ra na siya oi....mahal na ang kahoy karon...

weird ang pagka plastar sa benches....dapat they should be facing the river not away from it...

-i agree..:)

nice one!

[QOUTE=BOB-bXu;22443586]semento ra na siya oi....mahal na ang kahoy karon...

weird ang pagka plastar sa benches....dapat they should be facing the river not away from it...

-i agree..:)

these riverside promenade was built by Philippine Ports funds and NOT PTA...but nonetheless....baliktad mga benches...porbida:nuts:

Pwede ba na alsahon ang mga benches ug ipaatubang sa river @Bob? :)

Pwede ba na alsahon ang mga benches ug ipaatubang sa river @Bob? :)

bitaw no?!....ngano kaha nobody there in PPA initiated the move? pastilan

hay, kasayang sa view sa river....sayang pa gyud funds!!:nuts: porbida

Bayugan City Hostel

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm152/freida201/IMG_9180.jpg

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm152/freida201/AgusandelSurHostel.jpg

AIM Policy Center Philippine Cities Competitiveness Project and Butuan LGU Post Survey Conference

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j97/boybleauxx/MAyorPlaza.jpg?t=1215883133

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j97/boybleauxx/aim_clip_image002_0003.jpg?t=1215883215

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j97/boybleauxx/aim_clip_image002_0002.jpg?t=1215883248

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j97/boybleauxx/aim_clip_image002.jpg?t=1215883281

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j97/boybleauxx/aim_clip_image002_0005.jpg?t=1215883314

wow, an official visit by a green Carolinian Professor and a true blue Urian Alumni at that...^^

burger burger burger^^

Ei, green and blue are my favorite colors! Nagkataon yata ah! hehe... Burger? Dili mo ganahan pizza? Wahehe

Bayugan City Hostel

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm152/freida201/IMG_9180.jpg

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm152/freida201/AgusandelSurHostel.jpg

nice!

these riverside promenade was built by Philippine Ports funds and NOT PTA...but nonetheless....baliktad mga benches...porbida:nuts:

hope meron sila measures against anay....:cheers:

San Francisco, Agusan del Sur

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3015/2580198500_d968e40d31.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3065/2579332605_64753c250e.jpg?v=0

these riverside promenade was built by Philippine Ports funds and NOT PTA...but nonetheless....baliktad mga benches...porbida:nuts:

pastilan...

our government really needs advisers, dili magpataka ug tukod.:bash: honestly they are ugly.

pastilan...

our government really needs advisers, dili magpataka ug tukod.:bash: honestly they are ugly.

ugly can always be improved....what worries me more is the lack of common sense.. look at those inverted benches...!!see

well as a consuelo-de-bobo at least, not all riversides in Minda have this public riverside promenade though...How I wish that planned riverside park however will really have a headstart...haay

I found this from the city website...hmmmm....seems funds are coming in to this planned riverside park^^


Butuan City Public Information Office - Press Release
ni: Romy B. Peña, Info. Asst. II

PAGPALAMBO SA TURISMO SA DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN

Dako ang tinguha sa City Government sa Butuan ubos sa administrasyon ni City Mayor Democrito D. Plaza II, nga dugang palambuon ang Turismo sa dakbayan sa Butuan. Bag-ohay palang atol sa pagduaw ni Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, dinhi sa atong syudad. Mihatag sa kantidad nga 2.5 milyones ka pesos alang sa padayon nga pagpalambo sa MDG Park nga nahimutang sa daplin nga bahin sa suba sa Agusan.

Sumala pa ni Mayor Plaza, nga ang gikaingong parke susama sa ubang nasud nga dako kaayo ug kaposlanan pinaagi sa pag-generate ug income. Sa maong dapit makita ang nagkadaiyang balay kalingawan nga sarang kasuroyan sa mga turista. Gawas niana plano sa Mayor mupalit ug mga manindot nga bankang de motor aron maoy sakyan sa mga turista paglibot sa atong syudad, ug agig dugang sa maong kantidad si Senator Miguel Zubiri muhatag usab ug kantidad sa usa ngadto sa duha kamilyon ka pesos alang gihapon sa turismo sa atong dapit.





Butuan City Public Information Office - Press Release
ni: Romy B. Peña, Info. Asst. II

MGA NATAPOS UG PLANO NGA PROYEKTO NGA PAGATUKURON

Ubay-ubay sa mga proyekto sa tuig 2007 ang natapos ug napahimoslan sa katawhan sa dakbayan sa Butuan. Kini ang giklaro ni City Engineer Enily P. Gayon usa niini mao ang pagkongreto sa dalan gikan sa taboan, langihan lagoon paingon sa fish landing, nga nagkanditad ug 12 milyon ka pesos lakip na ang drainage system.

Ug niining tuig 2008 giplano sa City Government sa administrasyon ni City Mayor Democrito D. Plaza II, ang pagtukod ug upat ka building sa taboan area nga kompleto sa pasilidades sa sugang dagitab ug pansayan nga sarang ka plastaran sa mga mag-uuma ug mga nigosyante sa ilang nagkadaiyang baligya. Gawas niana pagatukoron usab ang Van Terminal diin adunay laing building ang pagatukoron dinha sa daang hospital nga nagkantidad ug 6 milyon ka pesos lakip na ang pansayan ug waiting shed.

Samtang padayon usab ang pagpalambo sa pagatukoron nga MDG Park nga ipahimotang sa ubos nga bahin sa daan tulay sa Magsaysay nga gituohan nga usa sa tourist destination sa reheyon sa Caraga.

^^ i can call it a pinoy typical mentality, akala nla mayor na sla, sla lahat ma sonod.. dapat may adviser talaga or ask the expert..

Stone Shark, Jurassic Park Resort, Carmen

http://i.pbase.com/u36/ahnise/large/40378667.10ButuanIMG_1482.jpg

Almont Lake Mainit Resort, Jabonga

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/2670418424_da7f1d5294_b.jpg

Cruise boat, Agusan River

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/2669577429_05e7ed7f49.jpg?v=0

Butuan ~ People

Feature: It's USEC Momo now!

by Pedring Santosidad

Butuan City (16 July) -- DPWH-Caraga Regional Director Romeo Momo has been elevated recently to the rank of Undersecretary (USEC) for Mindanao covering five regions such as Regions 9,10,11,12, including Region 13 (Caraga).

USEC Momo is the first regional director of this region to hold this key position in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). He would be holding office in this manner: 3 days as undersecretary and another 2 days as director since the agency has not yet designated his replacement.

Asst. Regional Director Barroso is being eyed as the next head of the DPWH-Caraga Regional Office while Engr. Bravo, District Engineer of Bukidnon, would sit as his assistant, the report said.

Engr. Momo has rose from the ranks in the department. He was the assistant district engineer of DPWH in Tandag City and after a few years, he was promoted as full-pledged district engineer of the same place. Later on, he was assistant regional director in Caraga Region for only a few months and again became OIC-Regional Director until the time he was permanently slated as the director of this region.

Among the significant projects he has supervised were the Macapagal Bridge in Butuan City; the construction of Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, and Agusan del Norte roads; another multi-million bridge in Bislig City that is about to be completed and many more.

He has implemented project "no-overloading" in the region to safeguard roads and highways to protect it from cracks and leaks.

He has maintained good relation with the politicians and other LGU officials, by instructing all his field personnel to coordinate with them to avoid misunderstanding and the smooth implementation of the projects. Moreover, seminars to enhance capabilities and effectiveness are being conducted regularly among the employees of the department.

Employees from the ranks and files could attest to his sincerity and humbleness, his resourcefulness and leadership, and above all he is a God-fearing government employee, the report added. (Northern Mindanao Chronicle/PIA-Caraga)

^^

Butuan, Most Child Friendly City sa Caraga 2007

by Malou C. Furia

Butuan City (16 June) -- Gidawat ni Honorable Mayor Democrito Plaza ang tseke nga mokantidad ug singkwenta mil ka pesos (P50,000.00) gikan sa buhatan ni Ms. Elenita Carballo, Executive Director sa Council for the Welfare of Children nga gitunol ni Ms. Aldheberan Mordeno, dili pa lang dugay sa Mayor's Conference Room, City Hall building ning dakbayan.

Ang lokal nga panggamhanan maoy Regional Winner for Highly Urbanized City Category 2007 Presidential Award for the Most Child Friendly City sa 2007 ug ang maong kantidad maoy gamiton sa "repair ug rehabilitasyon" sa Multi-purpose Center for Youth.

Sa simpleng okasyon nga selebrasyon usab sa ika-110 nga independence day sa nasud kung diin adunay gamay nga salu-salo sa mga opisyales ning dakbayan. Mitambong ang SP Members sama nila Konsehal Randolph Plaza, Konsehal Rodrigo Dayaday, Konsehal Benjie Calo, City Administrator Webb L. Racaza, mga hepe sa nagkalain-laing buhatan, mga Barangay Chairman sa 86 nga barangay ning syudad, empleyado ug uban pa. (LGU-Butuan/PIA-Caraga) [top]

Butuan ~ People


Marky Cielo

http://bp3.blogger.com/_CknrHzDV-DA/SHjRczRaRtI/AAAAAAAAAFE/fQIgtBKT6Ro/s1600/marky.JPG

Marky Cielo (born Mark Angelo Cadaweng Cielo on May 12, 1988 in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Philippines) is a Filipino actor and dancer.

Cielo grew up in Butuan, then moved to Mountain Province in 2001. He speaks the Kankanaey, Ilocano, Tagalog and Bisaya languages fluently. When he was a young child, which was according to his real life story in Magpakailanman, Marky and his sister's parents were separated, then, their mother took care of them. He and his sister were abused and maltreated by their maid whenever their mother is at the work. When their mother saw her hurting them, she kicked their maid out of their house. He finally met his father only once in a lifetime.

When his classmates convince Cielo to join StarStruck, he accepted to join. He won the Ultimate Male Survivor title and the first Sole Survivor title of Batch 3 of the reality TV show and he's the first Igorot ever to join that contest. Marky won an Antipolo house and lot at StarStruck contest and now lives in his new home.

Butuan ~ Food Security


DA Secretary Yap visits important projects in Caraga
by Emmylou T. Presilda

Butuan City (18 July) -- Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Arthur Yap visits Caraga today, July 18, to attend significant events and visit some projects that have been put in place for the farmers in Caraga Region.

The first stop will be the Caraga Farmers Congress at RTR Gymnasium, RTR, Agusan del Norte where he will spearheads the distribution of BIO-N Fertilizer to around 500 farmers. This is in line with the FIELDS Program under the Agri-Business Agenda of President Arroyo.

Aside from the fertilizer subsidy implemented by the DA and LGU, the FIELDS program also emphasize the use of proven technologies like BIO-N to increase yields of farmers.

Secretary Yap will then proceed to Brgy. Taligaman, Butuan City to visit the newly rehabilitated Taligaman Communal Irrigation System, which serves around 180 hectares of rice areas including Brgy. Antongalon. He will also spend time with the Taligaman-Antongalon Irrigators Association to personally address the farmers problems and issues.

Afterwards, Secretary Yap will proceed to Mandacpan, Brgy. San Vicente, Butuan City to inspect the newly installed flatbed dryer with 6 tons capacity completed under the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF).

The recipients of the project are the 180 farmers with a total rice production area of 150 hectares, once part of the 4,500 hectares covered by the Lower Agusan River Pump Irrigation System in Bit-os, Butuan City and another 50 hectares neighboring rainfed areas.

The Bit-os Mandacpan San Vicente Irrigators Association has enjoyed two cropping seasons per year but they initiated a 5 hectare 3 cropping per year field trial demonstration.

After a press conference at the DA Conference Room, the Secretary will proceed to Bayugan, Agusan del Sur to visit the organic farm of NIA Administrator Carlos Salazar. (DA-13/PIA-Caraga)

DPWH-Butuan City-DEO, R.Palma St., Butuan City 8600, Philippines / Designed by: Arch.Emeliano "Jojo" Villocido Jr.,uap
http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/1248618.jpg

DPWH-Butuan by: Arch. Emeliano "Jojo" Villocido Jr.,uap
http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/1248524.jpg

DBM Regional Office XIII, CARAGA, Butuan City/ Designed by: Arch.Emeliano "jojo" Villocido Jr., uap
http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/7563606.jpg
http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/7563876.jpg

Lumagas Place, Butuan City (soon to rise)/ Designed by: Arch.Emeliano "jojo" Villocido Jr., uap
http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/7564074.jpg
http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/7564130.jpg

http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/6079231.jpg

Plane approaches Butuan Airport

http://www.panoramio.com/photos/original/3088462.jpg

DPWH-Butuan City-DEO, R.Palma St., Butuan City 8600, Philippines / Designed by: Arch.Emeliano "Jojo" Villocido Jr.,uap
http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/1248618.jpg

DPWH-Butuan by: Arch. Emeliano "Jojo" Villocido Jr.,uap
http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/1248524.jpg

DBM Regional Office XIII, CARAGA, Butuan City/ Designed by: Arch.Emeliano "jojo" Villocido Jr., uap
http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/7563606.jpg
http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/7563876.jpg

Lumagas Place, Butuan City (soon to rise)/ Designed by: Arch.Emeliano "jojo" Villocido Jr., uap
http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/7564074.jpg
http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/7564130.jpg


nice designs...gagmay nga lang:)

hi bob, are these projects ongoing?

Kita sa PPA misaka bisan pa man milig-on ang peso batuk dolyar
PIA News

Butuan City (21 July) -- Ang buhatan sa Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) mipagawas sa ilang report nga misaka ang ilang kita sulod sa tulo ka bulan niining tuiga.

Matod sa taho nga ang ilang net income tax miabot ngadto sa P664 milyones, misaka og 12 porsyento ikumpara gikan sa P590.76 milyones sa nakalabay nga tuig.

Matod pa sa maong buhatan, kini bisan pa man nga ang pagpalig-on sa peso batuk dolyar sa bulan sa Marso mikunhod ang ilang port revenue nagdto sa P67.15 milyones.

Ila usab gitataw nga nakahimo sila pagpasaka sa ilang kita gikan sa traffic volume ug resulta sa traffic-rate adjustment diin giimplementar sa niaging tuig.

Dugang pa sa maong report, mihipos ang among buhatan og P112.22 milyones sa additional revenue nga gikan sa taas nga traffic volume ug P28.22 milyon sab gikan sa tariff adjustment.

Mokabat sa 82 porsyento sa PPA revenue gikan sa mga pampublikong pantalan; ang uban naggikan sa mga pribadong pantalan.

"Except for PDO (Port District Office) Northern Mindanao, where port traffic volume declined, all PDOs managed to exceed their revenue targets for the period," matod sa report.

Ang mga bayronon nga gikolekta gikan sa Internation Container Terminal Services Inc., (ICTSI) mao ang pinakadako nga pantalan sa nasud, ang nagpabiling pinakadako usab ang natampo sa kita sa PPA.

"ICTSI's fees helped counterbalance the negative effect of the fluctuations in the forex (foreign exchange) rate," matod sa maong buhatan.

Sulod sa bulan sa Marso lang ang kita sa ICTSI, diin naggikan sa Manila International Container Terminal, miabot ngadto sa P540.22 milyones ang deperensya ikompara sa niaging tuig.

"Income from PPA's two top revenue contributions totaled P319.5 million in wharfagefees and P260.07 million in arrastre and stevedoring fees," matod sa report. (Super Banat Balita/PIA-Caraga)

hi bob, are these projects ongoing?


yup...except that Lumagas Place Building :)

over the top

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j97/boybleauxx/butun.jpg?t=1216827780

well speaking of marky, i knw him and his family better. They have a litle store along M blvd front of chinese skul. I used to stay in there at night para lng naa tao sa store. Cusin ko kc ang nagdala sa store. Pet name of marky is boknoy at ung sis nya is bonsay kya ang twag ng store nila is boks & bons. Hahaha patay dli kha sla masuko ako sulti ilang pet name. Haha. Tawag nila sa ako uncle and til now ganun pa din. Nag tampo daw kc ndi ko npunthan don sa bhay nila sa pasig kc don lng sa chocolate. Haha sana wag clang mag bago pati c ate mildred[86]Butuan ~ People[/QUOTE]

Butuan ~ IT


PGAN, CICT-NCC conduct Butuan training on image design and editing


by Leo Cipriano L. Urbiztondo, Jr

Butuan City (July 24) -- The provincial government of Agusan del Norte, in partnership with the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) through the National Computer Center (NCC) - Field Operations Office, with able coordination of Caraga Region IT Coordinator, Melody Cocon, successfully conducted the course "Image Design and Editing" last July 1-4, 2008 at the Computer Laboratory 3 of the College of Information Technology, Saint Joseph Institute of Technology, Butuan City.

The course was designed for webmasters, web designers, professionals, and college students who want to excel in art production needed for presentation, advertisement, and marketing collaterals. It is a technical course designed as a tool for photo re-touching, image editing, color painting which will enable the production of quality output presentations, and can be used to enhance the design of websites.

The four-day training was well attended mostly by the government employees of the Local Government Units of Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, national agencies, and a local private firm. There were a total of 32 participants from a projection of 25 pax in attendance.

The course instructor, Mr. Ryann Z. Elumba of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, a seasoned instructor on Adobe Photoshop for 6 years, discussed the basic and advance features of the Adobe Photoshop CS2. The participants were able to apply their learnings during rendering exercises.

During the course training, the participants were able to edit pictures and images for publication, create graphics and were able to know how to automate graphics for presentations and websites.

One of the participants from the Municipality of Veruela, Agusan del Sur, the Municipal Planning and Devt. Coordinator (MPDC), Engr. Gil Salise said, "Now we know how to edit pictures for our municipal government using the computer. Before we cut out pictures and put it together in a single paper or cartolina and have it scanned or photocopied. But now, we can humbly say that we can do it in minutes using our computer."

Another participant from the Municipality of Prosperidad, Ms. Anabell Vidal, said, "The training is awesome; we have learned a lot. Before the training, we rate ourselves zero knowledge on photo editing using Photoshop, but after completing this course, we already know what to do and how to do it. We are now confident that we can create what we like to have."

The participants were provided with training kits which included a manual and a demo installer for Photoshop, among others.

Both the provincial government and NCC are looking forward for more partnerships in the conduct of regional IT training. Workshop participants have specifically voiced their intentions to undergo training on Auto-CAD, LAN and Web Server Administration, Advance Digital Photography, and Video Editing. (ECE/PIA-Caraga)

Officially Butuan is still a diocese with parishes located in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur. Hence it do not have an archbishop. There is a plan now to form a separate diocese composed of parishes in agusan del sur. When this happens, maybe the Diocese of Butuan will be converted into an ArchDiocese overseeing all the Dioceses located in Caraga. For the moment this job is being handled by the ArchDiocese of Cagayan de Oro.

The Diocese of Butuan can never become an Archdiocese because Cagayan de Oro is already an Archdiocese. An archdiocese is headed by an archbishop. For an archdiocese to be an archdiocese it has to be the MOTHER CHURCH of a number of dioceses. In northern mindanao, Cagayan de Oro is the only archdiocese. The dioceses of Malaybalay, surigao, tandag and butuan complete the district. Each bishop is autonomous in his diocese but the archbishop acts as the ex officio spokesman of the district. That's why he is called an archbishop.

The Diocese of Butuan can never become an Archdiocese because Cagayan de Oro is already an Archdiocese. An archdiocese is headed by an archbishop. For an archdiocese to be an archdiocese it has to be the MOTHER CHURCH of a number of dioceses. In northern mindanao, Cagayan de Oro is the only archdiocese. The dioceses of Malaybalay, surigao, tandag and butuan complete the district. Each bishop is autonomous in his diocese but the archbishop acts as the ex officio spokesman of the district. That's why he is called an archbishop.

There is another Archdiocese in Northern Mindanao, The Archdiocese of Ozamis. The Diocese of Butuan can still be converted to an Archdiocese by God's will. If you look at the map, CDO is not strategically located to oversee this district you mentioned. CDO is not in the center but on the extreme west.

The Diocese of Butuan can never become an Archdiocese because Cagayan de Oro is already an Archdiocese. An archdiocese is headed by an archbishop. For an archdiocese to be an archdiocese it has to be the MOTHER CHURCH of a number of dioceses. In northern mindanao, Cagayan de Oro is the only archdiocese. The dioceses of Malaybalay, surigao, tandag and butuan complete the district. Each bishop is autonomous in his diocese but the archbishop acts as the ex officio spokesman of the district. That's why he is called an archbishop.

sounds like former mayor Magtajas...when he said CARAGA provinces can never be a separate region because they are well part of Region 10 already...

But I believed in this northern district its the Butuan Bishop who is wielding much influence rather than the Oro Archbishop..

Doing Business

DTI: Doing business in RP now faster, easier

NENETTE Belarmino, 47, a real estate broker wanted to start doing business in Davao, soonest possible after signing up a new business name at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office.

Like many other new entrepreneurs, she was skeptic and was sure she'll have to wait about three months before she gets the new name okayed.

"I was surprised, really, I got the new business name, ready in less than a week," Belarmino said, breaking into a grin, showing the new business name certificate from the DTI.

Today, thousands of new entrepreneurs like Belarmino nationwide are benefiting from the one-stop business registration system called the National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (Nerbac) now being put into action in all the regional DTI offices all over the country.

Started a few years back, at DTI Davao, the Nerbac is now reaping new business and investors' confidence in cities and regions where the system is now active and cutting down red tape in transacting with the government.

Long frustrated with the snail-pace dealings with government offices in applying for permits and licenses to sign up new businesses, many investors are surprised by the speed in going through various "procedures and requirements."

"We've been getting letters from various investors thanking our office and citing the speed and efficiency of this system," said Teolulo Pasawa, head of the Nerbac center in Davao. "Most of them are surprised that this could be done in a government office."

In Cebu, after years of grappling with government red tape, the Nerbac took everyone by surprise with a record-breaking 45-minute transaction time.

Before, investors signing up new businesses had to wait for three to four months to get their business name and business permits, according to Trade Undersecretary Merly Cruz.

"Now, they can wait for less than an hour, about 45 minutes, to get the go-signal to start their businesses that very same day," Cruz said.

But DTI Bicol wants to do it even better with its Nerbac -- they aim do it in a record-breaking -- 30 minutes, even faster than Cebu.

From a total of 143 laborious steps in three days, which can frustrate many businessmen, Asec Angel Pelayo wants to cut the transaction time to only 30 minutes.

"It's more like an express lane," said Pelayo. "It's our first step towards our dream of having one on-line registration for businesses in the country."

Such a faster system is now being set up at Mindoro DTI office where Nerbac is in the final stages of an on-line system where new businesses and investments in Mindoro as well as the adjoining provinces of Palawan and other provinces, can register on a special website and jump-start their businesses in the shortest possible time.

Cruz said the Nerbac in Mindoro also aims to cut down business registration time to less than an hour.

"Anytime now, this online registration system will be ready to serve our clients signing up new businesses in that region," Cruz said.

Following closely was the recent soft launching of Nerbac Caraga in Butuan City where processing time in starting a new business is also expected to be slashed to the barest minimum.

"We want to make it easy for people to start a new business," said Brielgo Pagaran, DTI regional director and Nerbac head. "Shorter processing time for permits and licenses will mean more business, more investments and more jobs for people in this region."

Nerbac was created by way of a Republic Act 7470 in 1992, authored by the late Agusan del Sur Congressman Democrito Plaza, which pools together all the government services needed for registering and licensing new businesses in one place to make it easy and convenient for businessmen and investors to start new businesses in a particular region.

Cruz said right now, all the DTI regional offices nationwide act as the hosts of all government agencies needed in registering new businesses.

Under just one roof, Nerbac can provide all the necessary business information from a database to an investor planning to do business in any region of the country.

It can provide a "one-stop" business registration and licensing, and actively promotes new investments in the region, according to Cruz.

Abayan Festival 2008 (every last Sunday of July)

Sta. Ana : Patron Saint of Agusan River

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forgive me for posting this important article.

Federalism (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008072892&type=2)
IYO ANTOY Ni Antolin dela Serna
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Mora mag namingaw na sad ang hisgut sa Federalism. Kini tungod kay ang atong mga lider dili gustog Federalism. Alang nila, nindot kaayo ang present system sa atong panggobiyerno tungod kay, among others, convenient kaayo alang kanila ang centralized government tungod kay makapatuyang sila sa tanang buot nilang buhaton didto sa kaulohan.

Kay kun mag-federal system ta, unya, presidential form, sama sa Amerika, ma-full local autonomy ang pagpadagan sa gobiyerno, ug ma-fully transparent ang tanang buhat sa mga lider. Sa ato pa, sayon na kaayo ang pagbantay kanila kay ania ra man sila dinhi sa ato, ato ra mang mga silingan.

Lahi sa centralized government, nga ang tanan kabubut-on sa Presidente, ug sila ra didto sa kaulohan ang magbuot – samtang kita dinhi, magmata lag buntag, maghuwat kon nag-unsa sila didto, ug wa gyud tay labut sa pagpadagan sa gobiyerno.

Wa ka ba kamatikod ini, Dro? Di ba panahon ra man sa eleksiyon diin paapilon konohay ka pag-decide kun unsay mahimong kaugmaon sa atong nasud? Ug wa ba usab ka kamatikod, Dro, nga bisag panahon sa eleksiyon, dili gihapon madunggan ang imong tingog ug dili ang imong kabubut-on ang matuman, kaylagi, kwarta may maghari?

Ubos sa atong sistima karon, diin highly centralized ang gahum, kita dinhi sa lalawigan, ang atong mga local government units, giisip nga mga “colony” lamang sa “Imperial Manila.”

Matud pa ni Lory de la Serna, usa sa nangusog nga matukod ang Federal-Presidential system sa atong nasud, “Under the present unitary system (a remnant of our colonial past imposed by the Spaniards and the Americans to advance their colonial imperial interests), practically all powers are vested in a highly centralized government.

“The concentration of power at the top inevitably results in political and economic imbalance and injustice. It is the reason why many regions in the Philippines remain poor and underdeveloped. Poverty in turn spawned widespread criminality, rebellion and secession, especially in neglected areas in Mindanao and many parts of Luzon and the Visayas.”

Unsa may tan-aw nimo ini, Dro? Wa ka ba kamatikod nga pirme lang tang nag-agad ug naghuwat kun unsay ikaluoy sa Imperial Manila, nganhi kanato nga ilang mga colony?

Back to top

forgive me for posting this important article.

Federalism (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008072892&type=2)
IYO ANTOY Ni Antolin dela Serna
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Mora mag namingaw na sad ang hisgut sa Federalism. Kini tungod kay ang atong mga lider dili gustog Federalism. Alang nila, nindot kaayo ang present system sa atong panggobiyerno tungod kay, among others, convenient kaayo alang kanila ang centralized government tungod kay makapatuyang sila sa tanang buot nilang buhaton didto sa kaulohan.

Kay kun mag-federal system ta, unya, presidential form, sama sa Amerika, ma-full local autonomy ang pagpadagan sa gobiyerno, ug ma-fully transparent ang tanang buhat sa mga lider. Sa ato pa, sayon na kaayo ang pagbantay kanila kay ania ra man sila dinhi sa ato, ato ra mang mga silingan.

Lahi sa centralized government, nga ang tanan kabubut-on sa Presidente, ug sila ra didto sa kaulohan ang magbuot – samtang kita dinhi, magmata lag buntag, maghuwat kon nag-unsa sila didto, ug wa gyud tay labut sa pagpadagan sa gobiyerno.

Wa ka ba kamatikod ini, Dro? Di ba panahon ra man sa eleksiyon diin paapilon konohay ka pag-decide kun unsay mahimong kaugmaon sa atong nasud? Ug wa ba usab ka kamatikod, Dro, nga bisag panahon sa eleksiyon, dili gihapon madunggan ang imong tingog ug dili ang imong kabubut-on ang matuman, kaylagi, kwarta may maghari?

Ubos sa atong sistima karon, diin highly centralized ang gahum, kita dinhi sa lalawigan, ang atong mga local government units, giisip nga mga “colony” lamang sa “Imperial Manila.”

Matud pa ni Lory de la Serna, usa sa nangusog nga matukod ang Federal-Presidential system sa atong nasud, “Under the present unitary system (a remnant of our colonial past imposed by the Spaniards and the Americans to advance their colonial imperial interests), practically all powers are vested in a highly centralized government.

“The concentration of power at the top inevitably results in political and economic imbalance and injustice. It is the reason why many regions in the Philippines remain poor and underdeveloped. Poverty in turn spawned widespread criminality, rebellion and secession, especially in neglected areas in Mindanao and many parts of Luzon and the Visayas.”

Unsa may tan-aw nimo ini, Dro? Wa ka ba kamatikod nga pirme lang tang nag-agad ug naghuwat kun unsay ikaluoy sa Imperial Manila, nganhi kanato nga ilang mga colony?

Back to top

Flower Horn Fish Exhibits at G Mall

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j97/boybleauxx/DSCF6868.jpg?t=1217338617

Laurice Andaya Guillen-Feleo
Artist and Award Winning Director
Chairman, Butuan Global Forum 2005 til present

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photo exhibit at margie's
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photo entries from the DOT magellan trek photo safari.

awarding is on august 2, 9am at the sports complex, with secretary Ace Durano present.
exhibition of pictures at luciana inn.

street scene

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street scene

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:okay:...nice and clean Butuan streets:cheers::cheers::cheers:

Digital Imaging Workshop in Butuan City

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NERBAC CARAGA ~ One Stop Business Shop

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http://caraga.neda.gov.ph/images/nerbac/nerbac2.jpg

The National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center [NERBAC] in Caraga Region was launched last June 25, 2008.

The launching was attended by some 125 guests and officials from the local government units, private sector, academe, regional line agencies and media.

Agusan del Sur Governor Valentina G. Plaza, Butuan City Mayor Democrito D. Plaza, II and Agusan del Sur SP Member Frederick Millana, the descendants of the NERBAC Law author, the late Cong. Democrito O. Plaza, graced the said launching.

They were joined by Bislig City Mayor Alberto Tan, Butuan City Vice Mayor Dino Claudio Sanchez, Sanggunian Officials of Butuan City and Agusan del Sur, PCCI-Caraga Regional Governor and Chair of the Eastern Mindanao Business Council Juanito Mendoza III, Regional Investment & Export Promotion Committee Chair Engr. Leonel Santos and Phil-export-Caraga President Leonore Calo.

One of the highlights of the activity was the signing of the pledge of commitment to support the project among the stakeholders led by the said personalities including the other members of the Board of Advisers, namely – NEDA Director Carmencita Cochingco, DILG Director Atty. Rene Burdeos, DENR RTD Adelwisa G. Siapno, Butuan Chamber President Jocelyn Yee, and Dr. Teresita Camacho representing FSUU. They were joined as well by other regional directors, heads of agencies of the other cooperating institutions.

In a press briefing that followed after the launching, DTI Regional Director Brielgo O. Pagaran and PCCI Regional Governor Juanito M. Mendoza, III, jointly urged the press to help in the information campaign of the service offerings of NERBAC and to provide feedback from the public regarding the center to improve its service delivery.

After its launching, the three units of the center, namely: Business Licensing and Registration [BLR], Investment Marketing and Facilitation [IMF], Information and Knowledge Management [KM], will be doing further center operations planning workshops with the cooperating institutions to achieve the center’s goals -“one-stop, reduced processing time, ease in starting a business, new investments and more jobs” for the region.

NERBAC-Caraga is located at the 3rd level, East Wing of D&V Bldg., JC Aquino Avenue, Butuan City.

Butuan City to Host 8th National PESO Congress

Come September 16-18, 2008 the Public Employment Service Officers of the Philippines, Inc. (PESOPhil, Inc.) will hold its 8th National PESO Congress at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, Butuan City, Caraga Region.

With this year’s theme, “Kabuhayan at Trabaho, Sagot sa Pag-unlad ng Mga Pilipino: PESO Kaagapay Mo.”, the annual Congress will bring together into one venue PESO Managers all over the archipelago to confer, assess, and share practices on matters of employment and livelihood facilitation. In addition, personalities from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Bureau of Local Employment (BLE), POEA, DFA and other invited entities will, likewise, share center stage as they impart desired skills and knowledge helpful in building up new and existing relations, strengthening collaboration, and improving desired public services.

An estimated 700 participants is expected to grace the said congress, and all necessary preparations are on track. Dr. Aurora G. Zaportiza, D.M., PESO-Butuan Manager and National President of PESOPhil, will spearhead the activity, in close coordination with DOLE-Caraga, PESOPhil, BLE, and the City Government of Butuan.

Last year’s congress was staged at Punta Villa Resort, Arevalo Iloilo City.

Mindagat Falls, Mt. Mayapay

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DVO-BXU Road Trip (Trip lang):)

ang higanteng bola, agusan del sur section
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Pilipinas Palm Oil Plantation
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ampayon, BXU na dapit
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magsaysay na dapit
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Digital Imaging Workshop in Butuan City

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hey bob, what's the possibility of doing a graphic design seminar there?:)

hey bob, what's the possibility of doing a graphic design seminar there?:)

i must say..very very possible for any entity pau..

Hey Bob! Musta na? Musta na ang projects and proposals sa Butuan? Murag hinay man no? Cguro kay election man next year for mayor ata.

Murag nang back out man cguro ang mga mall developers sa Butuan. Wala ba kaha giharang sa mga politicos? Ahemm. Murag ing ana jud ba.

Hey Bob! Musta na? Musta na ang projects and proposals sa Butuan? Murag hinay man no? Cguro kay election man next year for mayor ata.

sa 2010 pa Reg...sige lang hinay hinay basta sigurado ^^

in short...BXU is within the top 10 AIM cities list...and the Region too achieved a robust GRDP growth rate of 8.6 % :)

Murag nang back out man cguro ang mga mall developers sa Butuan. Wala ba kaha giharang sa mga politicos? Ahemm. Murag ing ana jud ba.

that's speculative Reg... you can ask Madame Choleng Calo's relatives regarding Robinson's multi million buy out of their property there in Libertad ^^