Fish cages for rent – a new concept

In response to the call to provide support and to better the lives of our fishfarmers, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Caraga introduces a new concept of helping them out.

This is a new project conceptualized by BFAR-Caraga to empower our fisherfolk and lessen their dependence on government grants, to increase their income, enhance their living and to provide continuous supply of fish in the locality. This project will first be established in Dapa, Siargao Island and will soon be replicated to other areas in the region.

A total of 10 fish cages (8m x 8m x 5m) size will be established with a stocking density of 5,000 pieces of bangus fingerlings which is to be shouldered by the lessee. The cages will be alienated into different cluster compose of four cages each.

The targeted beneficiaries are the fisherfolks and fisherfolk associations in the locality. The projected rental is equivalent to the total cost of the established cage to be paid in an installment basis. (BFAR-13/PIA-Caraga)

Illegal gambling suspects in Pilar arrested

On Thursday (November 13) at 7:30 in the evening in Barangay Maasin, Pilar, Surigao del Norte, PNP elements of Pilar Municipal Police Station led by PINSP Joseph Geofrey P Lim arrested the suspects who were identified as Alyn Acido, 17 years old, single;Sandy Morial, 22 years old, single; and Domingo Morial, 51 years old, married, all resident of Barangay Maasin, Pilar, Surigao del Norte. Suspects were caught in the act engaged in illegal gambling locally known as “swertres”. Confiscated from the suspects’ possession were 29 pieces tally sheet; one unit Honda TMX motorcycle, color red with plate number LM 5797 and cash bet money amounting to Php 1,657.00. Suspects are now under the custody of Pilar Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.

Thursday (November 13) at 7:40 in the evening at the sidewalk of J.C. Aquino Avenue, Zacor, Barangay Tandag Sora, Butuan City, PNP elements of Butuan City Police Station 1 led by PSI Ronaldo Plaza conducted operation that led to the apprehension of the suspect identified as Arnold Hingan Bantog (usher), 35 years old, married and resident of Purok-20, Barangay San Vicente, Butuan City. Confiscated from the suspect’s possession were six pieces filled-up “swertres” tally sheet, one piece calculator, one ballpen and cash bet money worth Php 504.00. Suspect was brought to Butuan City Police Station-1 for proper disposition.

On Saturday (November 15) at 8:10 in the evening at the sidewalk of P. Burgos Extension, Barangay Tandang Sora, Butuan City, PNP elements of Butuan City Police Station-1 led by PSINSP Ronaldo Plaza arrested the suspect identified as Benjamin Saligan (usher), 37 years old, single and resident of said place. Suspect was arrested while caught in the act engaged in illegal gambling locally known as “swertres”. Confiscated from the suspect’s possession were nine pieces tally sheet, one calculator, one ballpen and cash bet money amounting to Php 940.00. Arrested person was brought to the Office of Vice Control Section Butuan City Police Office for proper disposition. (PNP)

6 Australian,1 British nationals rescued as fishing boat capsizes off Sta. Monica, Surigao del Norte

Six Australian and one British nationals were rescued after the fishing boat they rented for surfing activity capsized at the height of tropical depression “Tonyo” off the sea waters of Barangay Garcia, Sta. Monica town, Surigao del Norte.

Chief Supt. Jaime E. Milla, regional director of PRO 13, said the rescued Australian and British nationals were immediately brought to nearby hospital for medical aid.

“They are already out of danger,” said Milla.

The region’s police chief identified rescued Australian nationals as Damien T. Miller, 46; Anderson Poss, 48; Graham Jones, 47; certain Peter, 47; certain David, 46; and certain Hugo, 11 years old and son of David.

The British national was identified as Marcus El Korasmy, 48.

Miller, Poss, Jones, Peter, David and Korasmy, are all surfers and tourists in the Philippines.

They were rescued by villagers and fishermen in Sta. Monica.

The capsizing of their rented fishing boat happened at 9 o’clock in the morning.

Initial report stated that the foreign nationals had just arrived in the surfing area when hit by big waves causing the fishing boat to capsize.

Some fishermen in the area noticed the incident and immediately conduct rescue operation. (PNA)

Value-for-money destinations urged

The travel sector is urging more focused value-for-money destinations amid the global financial crunch.

Robert Lim Joseph, chairman emeritus of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies, praised the trourism program in intensifying marketing efforts to achieve arrival targets.

“Together we are implementing practical measures and not just come up with open skies which had failed to bring in tourists,” he said.

Joseph said the industry was expecting a pinch as vacationers cut down on travel in the first quarter of next year.

Jojo Clemente, president of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association, joined Joseph in backing Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano in promoting value-for-money come-ons by way of education and medical tourism, taking advantage of reduced fuel surcharge and fares by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific.

With Metro Manila as hub, industry leaders see the promotions radiating to Cebu, Bohol, Dumaguete, Palawan, Boracay, Bicol, and Siargao Island among the value-for-money attractions.

The harmonized program calls for a dynamic interaction between the private sector and the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corp. with a view to revisit Executive Order 500-A to avert the downturn in tourist arrivals. (manilastandardtoday)

Dapa, Surigao Norte officials arrest illegal fishing suspect

Confiscated from the suspect’s possession were one unit paddleboat, other fishing paraphernalia and dynamited fish locally known as “Atotay” and “Sili”.

Suspect was brought to the Barangay Captain of Barangay Consolacion, Hon Rolly Consigna and subsequently turned over to Dapa Municipal Police Station for proper disposition and filing of appropriate charges in court. (PNP-PRO-13/ PIA-Caraga)