Friday, April 11, 2025

4 injured in fireworks factory blast in Bukidnon

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Dec. 30, 2023) – Four individuals – two men and two women – sustained second-and third-degree burns in an alleged explosion in a fireworks factory in Balangay 9, Barangay Poblacion, Quezon, Bukidnon, on Friday, December 29

The victims were taken to the Simbulan Hospital in the neighboring municipality of Don Carlos, Bukidnon, and are in stable condition, the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office said.

Initial investigation said that the victims were allegedly engaged in the production of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices prior to the explosion. The assistance of the Explosive Ordnance
Disposal was needed as authorities wanted to conduct an in-depth investigation and assess the legality of the establishment.

Quezon police Chief Major Noel Cano said they are still waiting for verification from the Firearms and Explosives Office at the Police Regional Office-10 to determine if the establishment is registered to produce firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

“If they are not registered, we will check the legal remedy or legal action that we can take\ against them so that the victims can benefit,” Cano told the Manila Bulletin on Saturday, December 30.

Cano added that the victims were manufacturing fireworks that will allegedly be used for the New Year countdown of the local government unit of Quezon. He said they are looking into this as the fireworks should be ordered and they should not be manufacturing them.

The EOD, together with the Bureau of Fire Protection, has cleared the area of possible hazardous materials. No houses were affected as the area is isolated.

The Department of Health-Northern Mindanao (DOH-10) has recorded nine cases of firecracker-related injuries in the region as of December 29 – three cases each from Bukidnon and this city, two from Misamis Occidental, and one from Iligan City.

The agency recorded 10 cases of firecracker-related incidents from December 21 to January 6 last year.

Cases in Quezon, Bukidnon, have yet to be included since they still need to be validated by the reporting unit, said DOH-10 officer-in-charge Dr. Ellenietta Herunaidna Maria Victoria Gamolo in a text message on Saturday.

On December 12, the DOH-10 released a memorandum to all its personnel, including development management officers, human resources for health, contract of service personnel, DOH hospitals, medical health centers, and other health agencies to implement Code White Alert from December 21 to January 6, for the observance of the Yuletide season and Fireworks Related Injury (FWRI) surveillance, including firecracker-related tetanus cases, until January 21.

Under Code White Alert, DOH-10 response teams and committees “shall be on standby, on-call, and report to the office immediately in case of any emergency situation.”

As part of the safety precautions to ensure that no illicit firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials are supplied to the public, especially to youngsters, random inspections in markets and other locations will be strictly enforced, the Bukidnon police said in a statement on Saturday. (Frank Dick Rosete/Manila Bulletin)

NorMin 2023: New chapters, calls for justice

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Dec. 27, 2023) – Northern Mindanao will always have a story to tell every year. In 2023, the region did not disappoint, bringing in a considerable amount of national attention

In particular, Misamis Occidental province had more of that this year.

The aftermath of the December 2022 shear line floods compelled President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to visit the province and Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental as well, in early January.

Marcos’ meetings with regional and local officials with Cabinet members have created long-term policies, especially in adding disaster-resilient infrastructure projects and social welfare programs.

Since then, the provincial government has rolled out cash assistance in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development for flood-affected residents.

Crime, deaths

Misamis Occidental also brought stories that call for justice – one being the death of community broadcaster Juan Jumalon, who was killed while livestreaming inside his house in Calamba town on Nov. 5.

His death prompted a series of condemnations from media groups, public officials, and even Marcos himself.

Suspects were identified, and murder charges were filed.

The incident led Gov. Henry Oaminal to direct the provincial police and the Police Regional Office (PRO-10) to arrest the culprits and revisit the investigation of other assassination attempts.

These included the Oct. 15 blast in Clarin which hit his convoy; the Oct. 23 shooting of Calamba Municipal engineer Jopson Baones; and Oct. 28 grenade-throwing incident at the house of Calamba Mayor Luisito Villanueva.

Almost a month after Jumalon’s murder, the province will again mourn the death of Riza Ramos Daniel, 49, who was killed in a blast inside the Mindanao State University-Main Campus gymnasium in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur on Dec. 3.

Daniel was the mother of El Dritz, who was also injured in the blast, both of Tangub City. El Dritz was a third-year Computer Studies student at MSU-Main. Daniel decided to work in Marawi City to be closer to her son.

MSU-Marawi incident

The incident in MSU-Main brought the provincial government of Lanao del Sur and the Marawi City government together to coordinate with the police and military.

Within the week, the Islamic State militants claimed the attack, followed by the arrest of suspects Kadapi Mimbesa and Arsani Membisa, who are said to have links with local terrorist group, Dawlah Islamiyah. Both had prior arrest warrants for murder and kidnapping charges.

Other than Daniel, the three other fatalities were students Janine Arenas and Junrey Barbante, and faculty member Evangeline Aromin. The blast also injured some 50 people.

Change of command, anti-insurgency

Meanwhile, this year saw major changes in the region’s military and police leadership.

Maj. Gen. Jose Ma. Cuerpo II replaced Maj. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag as the commander of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) in March. Brig. Gen. Ricardo Layug also replaced Brig. Gen. Lawrence Coop as PRO-10 director in October.

As soon the two assumed office, they had their hands full in continuing the mandates of the national government in securing the peace and order situation in the region.

The 4ID under Cuerpo continued its operations against New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, and even on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, troops under the 403rd Infantry Brigade killed 10 rebels in Bukidnon.

Cuerpo said the Army has maintained its position of allowing NPA rebels to surrender or face a military operation, wherever they may be in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.

PRO-10 also accepted rebel surrenderers who brought in firearms and ammunition. Those who surrendered were assisted in the programs of the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

On anti-drugs, Layug said the police has continued its anti-illegal drug campaign with a series of buy-busts in partnership with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

With the introduction of “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, PRO-10 followed suit in promoting a holistic approach to addressing illegal drug issues.

Village polls

Layug and Cuerpo would again have their hands full in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) that were finally held on Oct. 30 after several years of delay.

Police and military troops were deployed to keep the peace.

While reports of vote buying by the local chapter of the National Citizens; Movement for Free Elections, and tensions among supporters in Nunungan, Lanao del Norte, both PRO-10 and 4ID reported a “generally peaceful” BSKE.

On election gun ban operations, PRO-10 reported that from August 28 to October 30, a total of 77 operations were launched that resulted in the arrest of 90 persons, confiscation of 55 firearms, 41 deadly weapons, 367 rounds of ammunition, and an explosive.

But in Lanao del Sur province, which is part of the Bangsamoro Region, the BSKE was marred with heated confrontations among political supporters, voting delays in precincts, and occasional violence that led to a death in the town of Butig.

Rice, economy

The limited rice supply and increase in its prices prompted the national government to issue Executive Order 39, which put a ceiling on prices and provided assistance to affected farmers and small-scale retailers.

Bukidnon province, the region’s food basket, was also affected by drought that some had attributed to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon being experienced in the country.

However, according to the Department of Agriculture, the lean months between August and September would be offset by the fresh harvests that came in October.

And so it did, as the Philippine Statistics Authority Region 10 released its monthly inflation reports and regional economic status in the following month, showing a rosy picture of the regional economy. The National Economic and Development Authority-Region 10 forecasts a stable overall economy for 2023.

Based on the 2022 gross regional domestic product, NEDA-10 Director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño said Northern Mindanao achieved a GRDP of 7.2 percent or PHP935 billion, compared to the 6.3 percent growth in the previous year, which was impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. (By Nef Luczon/PNA)

Strategic Pedagogy: Unleashing Effective Teaching Techniques for Student Success
Alberto B. Felisilda
Teacher III
Old Damulog National High School

In the realm of education, the way we teach holds a key role in the success of our students. Strategic Pedagogy is an approach that offers a practical guide for educators aiming to enhance their teaching techniques and support student achievement. It goes beyond the basics, combining careful planning, flexibility, and an understanding of diverse learning styles

Strategic Pedagogy is essentially about being intentional and creative in teaching. Educators who follow this approach plan their lessons thoughtfully, considering not only the subject matter but also the unique needs and backgrounds of their students. This careful planning sets the stage for creating an inclusive learning environment where every student, no matter their learning style, can feel engaged and supported.

What makes Strategic Pedagogy effective is its ability to adapt to the changing needs of students. It acknowledges that each classroom is filled with diverse perspectives and encourages teachers to adjust their methods to ensure that every student understands the material. It recognizes that effective teaching is about tailoring the approach to fit the students, not using a one-size-fits-all method.

Strategic Pedagogy is successful because it focuses on cultivating critical thinking skills and a love for learning in students. By including interactive activities, collaborative projects, and real-world applications, educators using this approach create an environment where curiosity is sparked, and learning goes beyond the classroom.

In summary, Strategic Pedagogy is a guide for educators to unlock their students’ potential. By combining thoughtful planning, flexibility, and a commitment to fostering a love for learning, this approach stands as a foundation for effective teaching, ultimately leading to unmatched student success.

21 ka mag-uuma migraduwar sa farmers-field-school sa Organic Rice Production

Human sa mga bulan nga mabungahon nga buluhaton, naka-graduate na ang 21 ka mga mag-uuma sa Malaybalay City sa farmers-field-school sa Organic Rice Production

Sumala sa kasayoran, ang gradwasyon gipahigayon niadtong Disyembre 12, 2023 sa Lourdes Resort, Lunokan, Miglamin, Malaybalay City.

Sa mga naka-graduate, 15 kanila mga babaye ug unom mga lalaki.

Ang graduation ceremony gipangunahan ni City Mayor Atty. Jay Warren R. Pabillaran.

Diha sab sila Konsehal Alan Ryann O. Legaspi, chairperson sa committee on agriculture, Dr. Janeth Lopez, provincial operations center head sa DA Region X, Mr. Mark Anthony Lagamon, organic program coordinator, Vic Ian T. Alcontin, CAgO field operations division chief, Ms. Blecy Grace Mahilum kinsa representante ni Barangay Captain Alfonso A. Inocando, Barangay Kagawad Remy Castañares ug MAFSWISA Chairman Roland Ripoledon.

Mipaambit si Dr. Lopez sa iyang mensahe sa kamahinungdanon sa organic practices lakip na ang land health management, pest and disease control, ug organic fertilization nga makapaminos sa epekto sa kinaiyahan, makapalambo sa water and land conservation, ug ingon man sa biodiversity sa mga umahan.

Gipaabot niya nga sa umaabot ang organikong teknolohiya nga gitudlo magamit ug matudlo sa ubang mga mag-uuma.

Samtang si Lagamon miila sa inisyatiba sa City Government of Malaybalay sa pagpalambo sa Organic Agriculture ug nanghinaut nga ang mga partisipante mapasalamaton niini. Iyang giawhag nga magpraktis og organic farming kay anaa kanunay ang gobyerno nga mosuporta.

Si Mayor Pabillaran sa iyang mensahe naghisgot mahitungod sa environmental concerns nga
maporma ngadto sa isa ka palisiya sama sa mga yuta nga 18 porsyento sa bakilid o labaw pa nga gideklarar na nga alienable ug disposable ibalik sa klasipikasyon sa mga yuta sa kalasangan, aron maporma, bahin sa mga reserba sa kalasangan, gawas kon sila nasakop na sa kasamtangan nga mga titulo nga giaprobahan nga aplikasyon sa publikong yuta.

Nahisgutan usab niya sa mga partisipante kung asa nahitabo ang pagbaha sa barangay aron iyang matubag pinaagi sa pagpaambit sa kamahinungdanon sa pagpraktis sa organic farming.

Iyang gihagit ang mga partisipante sa paggamit sa ilang nakat-unan aron makatabang sa ilang komunidad.

Sumala pa ni Konsehal Legaspi nga ang lima ka Participatory Guarantee System Organic
Farmers makadawat na og PhP 200,000 matag isa ug nahisgutan usab ang mga hinabang nga
ihatag sa CAgO. Gipahinumdoman niya ang mga partisipante nga padayon ang pagkat-on ug
matudloan usab ang mga silingan sa kahibalo nga ilang naangkon.

Gipasiugdahan sa City Agriculture Office (CAgO) ang farmers-field-school (FFS) on Organic
Rice Production.

Kini gilunsad niadtong Hulyo 12, 2023 ug nagsugod sa pag-transplant niadtong Hulyo 24, 2023 sa Sitio Maranhog, Miglamin Malaybalay City. Kini adunay gilapdon nga 0.5 ka ektarya nga gipanag-iya sa FFS Cooperator nga si Mr. Joereni L. Calfoforo.

Gibahin ang pagtuon sa upat ka grupo aron adunay pagtandi sa abot. Atol sa pag-ani niadtong
Nobyembre 8, 2023, ang Group 2 nagpakita sa pinakataas nga average sa crop cut yield component nga adunay 4.6 kg, sunod ang Group 1 nga adunay 4.4 kg, sunod ang Group 3 nga adunay 3.6 kg, ug Group 4 nga adunay 3.3 kg.

Nakakuha ang demonstrasyon og kita nga PhP78,000.00 ug gikuhaan og Php 33,725.00 nga gasto. Nagresulta kini sa net income nga PhP44,275 o katugbang sa 131 percent nga pagbalik sa puhunan.

Kung itandi ang data sa crop cut sa isa ka ektarya, makita nga moabot ang produksyon niini sa 7
tonelada.

Lakip sa mga Agricultural Extension Officers nga nagpahigayon sa maong FFS mao sila si Mr.
Marvin L. Zamora, Ms. Rajane R. Paurom, Ms. Jenalyn C. Avergonzado, Mr. Niño Jan M.
Pabillaran, Mr. France Guiller R. Buquiran, ug Ms. Darylene R. Tuala. (Gecel Quinquiño-Ocon, Agri-NADA/melbmadera)

Extension office sa NBI-Bukidnon gi-inagurahan

Gi-inagurahan sa National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) – Bukidnon District Office ang ilang extension office sa Capitol Compound, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon kaniadtong Disyembre 22, 2023

Sumala sa kasayoran sa Provincial Government of Bukidnon, si Rev. Fr. Gabriel Dayondon, Jr. ang nanguna sa pag-ampo ug blessings ceremony.

Mitambong sa maong inauguration si Vice Governor Clive Quiño ug Brig. Gen. Michele Anayron, Jr., commander sa 403rd Infantry Brigade.

Diha sab ang kadagkoan sa NBI nga sila Atty. Angelito Magno, assistant director for Regional Operations Service ug Danilo Cabanlet, agent in-charge sa NBI-Bukidnon District Office. (melbmadera)

RDC-X approves 159 resolutions for reg’l development in 2023

Published on: December 20, 2023
By Apipa Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The Regional Development Council of Northern Mindanao (RDC-X) ended the year on a high note by endorsing 36 resolutions during its 136th Full Council Meeting, on December 15, leaving a legacy of having passed 159 action resolutions in 2023

Being the highest policy-making body in the region, RDC-X approved the 2023 Northern Mindanao Preliminary Regional Development Report (RDR) and Priority Action Areas; the Regional Guidelines for the Preparation of the 2025 Regional Budget Proposals of Agency Regional Offices, State Universities and Colleges, Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations, and Other Government Instrumentalities; Formulation of the 2025 Annual Investment Program and Updating of the Regional Development Investment Program 2023-2028; RDC-X Priority Development Thrusts, Work and Financial Plan, and Calendar of Activities for 2024; and the implementation of the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System.

Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño, RDC-X vice chairperson and NEDA-X regional director, said the results of the initial assessment of the RDP 2023-2028 obtained from the 2023 Preliminary RDR play a pivotal role as the foundation and point of reference for the identification of priority programs, projects and activities for the 2025 budget exercise, thus strengthening the planning, investment programming, and budgeting process.

For infrastructure-related development, RDC-X approved resolutions pertaining to the Pang-Agraryong Tulay para sa Bagong Bayanihan ng mga Magsasaka (PBBM) Bridges Project; the request to the Department of Public Works and Highways Central Office to fund the repair of the damaged road along Gingoog City-Claveria-Villanueva Road in Barangay Lanise, Claveria, Misamis Oriental under its 2024 Savings; endorsement of the Maridagao (Kadingilan) Irrigation Project to the National Irrigation Administration Central Office; request to private sector companies to include programs and projects for water security in their corporate social responsibility; enjoining the provincial and highly urbanized cities in Region X to create an Integrated Water Security Council and formulate their respective Integrated Water Security Plan; request the Office of the President to revisit Executive Order 138 series 2021, particularly on the devolution of Communal Irrigation Systems to the local government units; and the conduct of Transportation Summit in 2024 in Cagayan de Oro City, among others.

For economic-related development, the council approved the reactivation of the Regional Industry Cluster Support Group and endorsed the feasibility study for the Metropolitan Food and Agri-based Products Cluster for Northern Mindanao, the proposed three-year time extension of the project Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT), and the proposed three-year extension and change in scope of the Rural Agro- Enterprise Partnership For Inclusive Development And Growth (RAPID Growth) Project. RDC-X also supported the resolution for safeguarding the protected areas and forestlands in the region as well as the resolution securing the long-term sustainability of multi-functional landscape in critical river basins of the country.

Moreover, the council supported the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action 2023-2028, the government’s overall blueprint for managing the country’s demographic situations and addressing interrelated population and development issues in support of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. It also backed the proposed amendments to Executive Order No. 325 (s. 1996) or the “Reorganization of the Regional Development Councils”, the establishment of Northern Mindanao Regional Blood Center, and House Bill 9420 which mandates the appointment of Population Officers in all provinces, cities, and municipalities.

RDC-X further passed resolutions earnestly requesting the 19th Congress to immediately pass into law the Government Procurement Reform Bill and Budget Modernization Bill, and expedite the creation of the Department of Water Resources.

Meanwhile, RDC-X chairperson and Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo, said the convening of the council for the last quarter of the year was timely as the country observes the Socio-Economic Planning and Development Week.

She said the celebration is a reminder of the pivotal role that planning and development play in shaping the future of Northern Mindanao. For her, it is also an opportune time to reflect on the RDC’s achievements, assess challenges, and chart a more resilient and sustainable path forward.

“Let us navigate the challenges ahead with resilience, unity, and a shared vision for a brighter tomorrow,” she said.

The 136th RDC-X Full Council Meeting was also highlighted by a recognition of regional achievers whose achievements brought honor and pride to Northern Mindanao. (APB/PIA-10)

7 FMR projects in Valencia inaugurated

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (Dec. 26, 2023) – Seven newly completed farm-to-market roads in Valencia City were turned over to seven beneficiary barangays that were previously under the grip of insurgency

According to a press announcement from the local government, the ceremonies were held on December 22, 2023.

The project beneficiaries are barangays Dagatkidavao, Mabuhay, Sinayawan, Tongantongan, Lourdes, Lumbayao, and Sinabuagan.

Each project has a budget of PhP4 million.

The projects were carried out in accordance with Executive Order No. 70, an order that institutionalized the whole-of-nation approach to achieve inclusive and sustainable peace by providing programs such as infrastructure construction and social services to villages in suppressing insurgency.

City Mayor Azucena P. Huervas expressed her gratitude for the completion of the projects that will greatly help the development of the beneficiary barangays.

The ceremony was attended by DILG Bukidnon Cluster Head Glenda Hope Beley, CLGOO Jan Eric Manasan, Assistant City Administrator Rembert Bautista, officials from the six barangays, and project contractors. (melbmadera)

Agri-10, exporter ink MOU for buckwheat production demo

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – In a bid to open more science-based production technologies to augment farmers’ productivity and profitability, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Carmen Rise Exporters, Inc. (CSEI), an exporter of agricultural products to Japan, for the conduct of technology demonstrations for buckwheat (Soba) production in its research centers

Held on December 21 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan here, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado sign the MOU with Mr. Tetsuji Yukawa, CSEI manager, witnessed by Aleli Maghirang, agriculture attaché in South Korea and Japan, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, and the DA-Special Projects Coordination and Management Assistance team headed by its chief, Angelita dela Cueva-Martir.

Said undertaking will help determine the adaptability and potential of growing buckwheat in the region by initially showcasing it through DA’s Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) in Barongcot, Dangcagan and at NMACLRC, both in Bukidnon province.

“With CSEI interested to invest in Soba, DA through our Research Division looks forward to establish, collect data, document and monitor the on-site trials, as we will jointly explore the said crop in the region.” Dir. Collado said.

With the techno demos eyed in the agri department’s grounds, CSEI will provide buckwheat seed or planting materials and other agricultural inputs as well as technical assistance, who will work hand-in-hand with the agri research personnel.

“The showcase will run for two [wet and dry] seasons, and in this span, we will be presenting the outputs to our stakeholders for farmers’ information and utilization, and importantly, as CSEI intends to buy the produced seeds from farmer-adopters.” the agri exec chief added.

Also in attendance are the Korean delegates, members of the DA-10 and Regional Management committees, for the simultaneous turnover of the project entitled “Establishment of Smart Greenhouse and Capacity Building in the Philippines” from the Korean government to the Philippines through DA, which is housed in the latter’s research complex here. (JLO)

LGU Valencia’s P1.98B 2024 budget signed

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (Dec. 22, 2023) – Valencia City Mayor Azucena P. Huervas along with Vice Mayor Atty. Teodoro Roteo Pepito signed the fiscal year 2024 budget ordinance of PhP1,981,602,446

The budget signing was held at the City Mayor’s Office (CMO) Conference Room on December 21, 2023.

Councilor Greizl Galario-Fernandez, chairperson of the committee on accounts and appropriations, all members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and department heads were present for the signing ceremony.

The annual budget of the city includes a General Fund budget of P1,901,602,446.00 and an Economic Enterprise budget of P80,000,000.

This comprehensive budget includes the following specific allocations: five percent for Gender and Development (GAD), totaling P95,080,123.00; five percent for the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF), totaling P95,080,123.00; and 20 percent for the Local Development Fund (LDF), totaling P315,120,490.00.

Budgets are also set aside for health and nutrition, barangay aid, personal services, maintenance and operating expenses, and capital outlay.

With the approval of the 2024 budget, the city government is ready to use it wisely for sustained operations, enhanced service delivery, and the implementation of a variety of initiatives, programs, and opportunities that will benefit the community. (melbmadera)