The Caraga Observer

10/08/2025

𝐒𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐞: 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐠 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐲𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The popular Filipino-Chinese fast-food chain Chowking is set to open its doors in Tandag City, offering residents and visitors a taste of its well-loved menu alongside a panoramic view of the sea.

The new store will be located along the Tandag Baywalk Boulevard, giving diners a unique seaside dining experience.

Once completed, Tandag City will become the third city in the Caraga Region to host a Chowking branch, following Butuan City and Surigao City.

05/08/2025

In celebration of Robinsons Land’s 45th Anniversary, we’re bringing you the BEST PROMO EVER! 🎉 Enjoy 45% OFF on ANY movie ticket and binge all you can on your favorite films only at Robinsons Movieworld! 🍿
Promo is valid until August 31 only, so don’t miss out. Plan your movie week now!
Please see mechanics below:
👉 The promo is from August 2 to 31, 2025.
👉 Customers get 45% off the regular movie ticket price for purchases made during the promo duration.
👉 The promo is valid for over-the-counter transactions only.
👉 The promo applies only to regular screenings during the promo duration and does not apply to advance ticket purchases or special screenings.
👉 It cannot be combined with other ongoing promotions and discounts. In the purchase of goods and services which are on promotional discount, senior citizens and persons with disability may avail of either the establishment’s offered discount or the 20% discount, whichever is higher and more favorable, as provided under the Expanded Senior Citizen Act or the Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability.
Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-232854 Series of 2025

In celebration of Robinsons Land’s 45th Anniversary, we’re bringing you the BEST PROMO EVER! 🎉 Enjoy 45% OFF on ANY movie ticket and binge all you can on your favorite films only at Robinsons Movieworld! 🍿

Promo is valid until August 31 only, so don’t miss out. Plan your movie week now!

Please see mechanics below:
👉 The promo is from August 2 to 31, 2025.
👉 Customers get 45% off the regular movie ticket price for purchases made during the promo duration.
👉 The promo is valid for over-the-counter transactions only.
👉 The promo applies only to regular screenings during the promo duration and does not apply to advance ticket purchases or special screenings.
👉 It cannot be combined with other ongoing promotions and discounts. In the purchase of goods and services which are on promotional discount, senior citizens and persons with disability may avail of either the establishment’s offered discount or the 20% discount, whichever is higher and more favorable, as provided under the Expanded Senior Citizen Act or the Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability.

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-232854 Series of 2025

30/07/2025

The Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) has officially cancelled the tsunami advisory issued earlier in the wake of the magnitude 8.7 earthquake off Russia’s east coast.

In its latest update, PHIVOLCS said data from sea level monitoring stations facing the Philippine Sea showed no significant sea level disturbances or destructive tsunami waves had been recorded since the 7:25 a.m. quake.

“With this, any effects due to minor sea level disturbances have largely passed, and therefore, DOST-PHIVOLCS has now cancelled the recommendations issued for this event,” the agency said.

PHIVOLCS also confirmed this would be its final tsunami information related to the earthquake.

30/07/2025

𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: 𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗩𝗢𝗟𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗦 𝗧𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗔𝗠𝗜 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗔𝗙𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗨𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗔 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗞𝗘

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) lifted the tsunami advisory it earlier issued to the coastal communities of several areas after no sea level disturbances and tsunami waves were recorded.

The Phivolcs issued the cancellation of tsunami advisory at 4:40 p.m
———-

𝗧𝘀𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗶 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟴.𝟳 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝗞𝗮𝗺𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗸𝗮, 𝗥𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗮

Coastal areas in the Philippines facing the Pacific Ocean, including those in Caraga Region, may experience tsunami waves of less than one (1) meter.

The first waves are expected to arrive between 1:20 p.m. and 2:40 p.m. PST today, July 30, 2025. Authorities warn that these may not be the largest waves and that tsunami activity could last for hours.

In Caraga, residents of 𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀, 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗿 are urged to stay away from beaches and coastal areas until the advisory is lifted. Those living very close to shorelines are advised to move farther inland immediately.

Boat owners in harbors, estuaries, or shallow coastal waters should secure their vessels and stay away from the waterfront, while those already at sea are advised to remain in deep waters until further notice.

Read the full advisory here: https://tinyurl.com/2xmwjjdh

18/06/2025

Caraga State University Ranks 3rd in the Philippines in 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings

Caraga State University (CSU) in Butuan City has earned recognition after placing 3rd among Philippine universities in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings.

The rankings measure universities' contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on efforts in environmental sustainability, social inclusion, economic growth, and global partnerships.

CSU is ranked 601–800 globally, making it the top university in Mindanao and the only institution from the Caraga region included in the list. This marks a major achievement for the university, especially since it was not ranked in the previous edition.

Tied with CSU in the national ranking are Ifugao State University, Leyte Normal University, Mariano Marcos State University, Saint Louis University, and the University of Santo Tomas.

Ateneo de Manila University leads the Philippine rankings, placing in the 101–200 bracket globally.

18/06/2025

BREAKING: Agusan del Sur confirms first Mpox case; patient has travel history to Davao City

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Agusan del Sur has confirmed the province’s first case of Mpox (monkeypox), according to an official advisory released on its page.

The advisory, signed by Provincial Health Officer II Jacqueline Frances F. Momville, stated that the patient had a history of travel to Davao City prior to the onset of symptoms.

“He had developed a pimple-like rash on the face and consulted a healthcare provider. He was immediately isolated in one of the hospitals in the province for close monitoring and symptomatic treatment,” Momville said.

The case was confirmed through laboratory testing conducted by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

Authorities have identified the patient’s close contacts, who are now under quarantine and observation. As of the advisory’s release, none of the close contacts have shown symptoms related to Mpox.

The PHO, in coordination with local government units and the Department of Health Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga, is actively monitoring the situation and taking steps to prevent further transmission.

The public is urged to remain vigilant and practice preventive measures, including avoiding close skin-to-skin contact with individuals showing symptoms of Mpox, observing proper respiratory etiquette, frequent handwashing with soap or alcohol-based sanitizer, and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces and shared items.

Health officials assure residents that necessary protocols are in place to safeguard the community’s health.

14/06/2025

𝗡𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘆𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀, 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝗴𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗿’𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀

The weeklong celebration of the Naliyagan Festival officially opened on June 12, with the provincial government highlighting the presence of Agusan del Sur’s four indigenous tribes — the Manobo, Higaonon, Talaandig, and Banwaon.

The opening ceremony, held at the Naliyagan Grounds in the provincial capitol, marked the beginning of a series of cultural, civic, and tourism-related activities lined up for the annual festival, which coincides with the province’s founding anniversary.

Photos Erwin Mascarinas

13/06/2025

𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧? 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟏𝟒 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐚𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐲𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Fourteen candidates of Bae Naliyagan representing the 13 towns and 1 city of Agusan del Sur took center stage during the opening ceremony of the Naliyagan Festival 2025, officially marking the start of the province’s weeklong cultural celebration.

Catch them as they shine in the Festival Costume Competition on June 13 and witness who will be crowned during the Grand Coronation Night on June 16.

Who’s your bet among these beautiful and empowered candidates? Let us know in the comments! ✨

05/06/2025

𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗽𝗼𝘅 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲, 𝗦𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗗𝗢𝗛

In a post by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga on Thursday, June 5, the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga confirmed that the two suspected Mpox cases in the region have tested negative.

The results were released by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

Dr. Amethyst Kathleen Alicante, cluster head of the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU), shared the update during a recent council meeting. While the news brings relief, she reminded the public to remain vigilant and not to let their guard down.

She outlined the common symptoms of Mpox, fever, headache, body pain, abnormal physical weakness, and swollen lymph nodes and advised individuals experiencing these symptoms to self-isolate and consult a physician immediately.

“Mpox is not an airborne disease. It can be transmitted primarily through prolonged close contact with an infected individual or through contact with contaminated materials,” Dr. Alicante stressed, debunking false claims circulating online about how the virus spreads.

05/06/2025

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞: 𝗕𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮 — 𝗣𝗦𝗔

While Agusan del Sur led the region in basic literacy, Butuan City recorded the highest functional literacy rate in Caraga at 73.0%, according to the 2024 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) conducted by Philippine Statistics Authority.

Functional literacy is the ability of a person to read, write, compute, and comprehend. Beyond basic skills, it involves higher-level comprehension such as integrating multiple pieces of information and drawing inferences. The functional literacy rate is computed for individuals aged 10 to 64 years old.

In contrast, Agusan del Norte registered the lowest functional literacy rate in the region at 55.7%.

05/06/2025

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞: 𝗔𝗴𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮 — 𝗣𝗦𝗔

Agusan del Sur posted the highest basic literacy rate in the Caraga region at 91.2%, according to the 2024 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

In contrast, Agusan del Norte registered the lowest rate at 84.4%.

Basic literacy refers to a person's ability to read and write, understand simple messages in any language or dialect, and perform basic mathematical operations. The literacy rate is computed for individuals aged five years and older.

02/06/2025

Portions of the Caraga Region were plunged into darkness on the evening of June 2, 2025, after electric cooperatives reported the sudden tripping of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) 138kV transmission line from Jasaan to Butuan.

The outage began around 6:28 PM and triggered unscheduled power interruptions across Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Norte.

The Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative (ANECO) reported that the disruption affected its Libertad, Ambago, Bayanihan, and Villakananga substations, impacting several barangays in Butuan City and surrounding areas.

The Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative (ASELCO) confirmed a widespread blackout in the entire municipalities of San Francisco, Prosperidad, Rosario, Talacogon, San Luis, La Paz, Loreto, Sibagat, Esperanza, and Bayugan City.

Meanwhile, the Surigao del Norte Electric Cooperative (SURNECO) reported that its Looc Substation was affected, causing outages in Surigao City, San Francisco, and Malimono.

Some consumers reported that electricity began to return in certain areas at around 7:15 PM.