Launching of Adventure Wall Climb in Butuan, the 1st in Caraga

by: striker_jem

Butuan – The Department of Tourism Regional Office partners with Caraga Travel Links and Barangay Libertad here in the city as Regional Director Letty Tan envisioned influx of local and foreign tourists as it launched another tourist attraction which is the Adventure Wall Climb, the first in the region.

“This will be the instrument to be able to link with the children, to reach out for them and let them understand what is tourism is all about,” said DOT Regional Director Letty Tan in her speech.

DOT Caraga has adopted its tag-line “Adventure Caraga” hoping to continue the upward trend of tourist arrivals.

Caraga Travel Links President Vivian Otaza on the other hand announced that they will be introducing the “Love Climb” on February 14 and encourage students and young professionals to join the fun with their loved ones.

Adventure Wall Climb is open daily at the City Sports Complex for only 20 pesos handled by professionals from Mountaineering Alliance of Caraga for Ecology Advocacy of the Philippines who created almost the same experience as it would be to climb an actual rock.

The walls are constructed that has grips for hands and feet to help the climber ascend the wall.

The walls have places for belays so the harnesses can be attached to the wall for safety and the rope can hold at approximately 3-tons.

Dr. Ted Esguerra of the Mt. Everest Team/Balangay Team made the inaugural climb.

In the coming days, photography, mountaineering, caving and climbing clinics will be held to interesting students and individuals.

Climbing clinic will provide participants with the skills necessary to climb and belay at the climbing wall.

Libel case filed by PASG-13 head vs. Ben Serrano, Villacastin dismissed

by The Shrinking Gym

January 29, 2010

BUTUAN CITY- Paranaque City Assistant Prosecutor Oliver C. Hernandez dismissed the libel case filed by Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) Caraga Region head Philip Placer against Ben Serrano, former Editor-In-Chief of The People’s Guardian and PG Publisher Felix Villacastin dismissed for lack.of jurisdiction

In its three pages resolution dated November 16, 2009 but was only received by Serrano January 29, 2010, First Assistant City Prosecutor Oliver C. Hernandez with approval of City Prosecutor Amerhassan Paudac junked the libel complaint on ground of lack of jurisdiction.

The resolution further states that Articles 353 of the Revised Penal Code enumerates the elements of the crime of libel to wit;

One, Defamatory imputation which causes dishonor, discredit, or contempt, Two, Malice either in law or in fact, Three, Publication and four, Victim must be identifiable.

The resolution added that in the case of Serrano as enumerated in his counter affidavit, the detailed reading of the news article carrying his byline will show that the complainant’s name was never mentioned in said article.

That the news article contained purely findings and pronouncements made by the Regional Trial Court Branch 5, Butuan City in a “Temporary Restraining Order TRO dated July 1, 2009 and another oder dated July 3, 2009 extending the first order.

Likewise, the news article simply cited allegations made in the complaint filed by EMCO Plywood Corporation before the Court and that said documents were all public in nature and served as sources of news hence the news article written by Serrano is simply a factual report of the hearings of the said court with no baseless statement.

It further adds that there is no malice to constitute the crime of libel because the news article is a fair and true report made in good faith without any comments and remarks on a judicial proceeding before the RTC Branch 5 of Butuan City involving the raid conducted by PASG.

Philhealth Cards

MAITUM, Sarangani (January 29, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez leads the distribution of Philhealth cards to residents of Maitum Friday, January 29, in time for the 3rd Bangsi Festival of the municipality at James L. Chiongbian Hall as Mayor Elsie Perrett and Emily Pacelo of Philhealth Gensan service office look on. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Roy Chiongbian and Elsie Perrett

MAITUM, Sarangani (January 29, 2010) – Mayor Elsie Perrett discusses with businessman Roy Chiongbian at the opening of the town/s 3rd Bangsi Festival Friday, January 29. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Olive Ridley

MAITUM, Sarangani (January 29, 2010) – An Olive Ridley hatchling finds its way to the sea during a ceremonial release of hatchlings at the celebration of the town’s 3rd Bangsi Festival Friday, January 29. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)