Province of Agusan del Sur

The provincial government of Agusan del Sur has granted a total of P2.7 million to nine registered and accredited cooperatives in the province to improve their operations and contribute to community development. The cooperatives, each receiving P300,000, were personally handed the funds by Gov. Santiago Cane Jr. during a flag raising ceremony at the Provincial Capitol lobby. The distribution of funds is part of the implementation of the Sustainable Cooperative Operation Performance Enhancement (SCOPE) project, which aims to improve the performance of the cooperatives.

The high vaccination rate in the 23 Higaonon villages of Esperanza can be attributed to their cultural obedience to tribal leaders. The council of elders was the first to receive vaccinations, setting an example for the tribe. Higaonons value unity over conflict, and their leaders are often called upon to mediate disputes among lumad communities.

The mayor of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, acknowledges that improving health literacy has brought hope for a higher COVID-19 vaccination rate in the town. However, the stigma surrounding vaccinations, particularly in remote areas, has been a major obstacle. Several interior villages, including Duangan, Kinamaybay, Guibonon, and Maliwanag, had initial vaccination rates of less than 10% due to various reasons, including religious leaders’ advice against it. Despite this, local officials and healthcare providers have worked to convince residents through information and education campaigns. As of November 2022, vaccination rates were still below the 70% herd immunity target, with rates as low as 2% in Maliwanag.

The Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur donated 7,667 classroom armchairs to 143 schools in the province, produced from illegal logs confiscated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The chairs were distributed based on recommendations from the Department of Education. However, schools in the province still require an additional 15,801 chairs.

Over 1,700 families in four barangays in Talacogon and La Paz, Philippines were affected by floods caused by weeks of continuous rain. To assist those affected, the provincial government distributed relief goods, personally delivered by Governor Cane using a jet ski. The unpredictable weather patterns caused by climate change have made it difficult for residents to predict planting season, leading to further hardship. The relief efforts were met with gratitude and joy from those receiving aid.

Governor Santiago Cane, Jr. orders the capture of stray animals in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur due to littering and poop issues around the Provincial Capitol and the sports complex. Unclaimed animals will be euthanized and buried after three days in the dog pound. In compliance with the Anti-Rabies Act, all dog owners must keep their pets under close supervision and contain them at all times to prevent the spread of rabies.

The D.O. Plaza Memorial Sports Complex has undergone extensive renovations costing P13 million, featuring world-class facilities and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Governor Santiago Cane Jr. has inspected the complex and insists that all construction defects be fixed before approval. Once completed, the complex has the potential to host international events, fulfilling the original vision of former Governor Democrito O. Plaza.