Tuesday, January 21, 2025

LTFRB to go after ‘colorum’ PUVs in N. Mindanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The new chief of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Northern Mindanao (LTFRB-10) has vowed to go after “colorum” public utility vehicles (PUVs) across the region

In a media briefing here Wednesday, LTFRB-10 Director Abosamen Matuan said they will actively operate on the road against unregistered PUVs following reports that “colorum” vehicles are operating in increasing numbers.

“We also need to increase the number of present enforcers who will be deployed,” Matuan said.

Matuan assumed office in late October this year, succeeding former director Amenodin Guro.

Matuan said they are still in transition and the additional personnel doing field duties will be hired gradually, especially with only seven field officers currently employed.

The LTFRB central office allocated PHP14.6 million for Region 10 this year, with PHP4 million set aside for personal services. (PNA)

JICA ‘not ready yet’ to fund Mindanao Railway

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 15 Nov)—A Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) official said they are “not ready yet” to fund Mindanao Railway’s construction

“Actually, to be frank, we have a lot of projects in the entire Philippines, now because we are supporting the construction of the Manila subway and North–South Commuter Railway (NSCR) and so on,” JICA Philippines’ Chief Representative Takema Sakamoto said in a press conference Friday last week.

“Comparing with preparedness, actually we do not have any background information about Mindanao railway so preparedness-wise we are not ready to consider the railway project,” he added.

Notably, the Philippine government stopped seeking funding assistance from China for the construction of the Mindanao Railway, the Department of Finance (DOF) told the Chinese Embassy in Manila last October.

DOF stated in a letter to Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian dated September 22, 2023, that the Philippines is “no longer inclined to pursue Chinese ODA financing for the Mindanao Railway Project Phase 1 Tagum-Davao-Digos Segment.”

The cause for the loan application’s withdrawal was not stated in the letter.

However, the JICA official said their “door is open” should the Philippine government be strongly interested in seeking funds from them for the construction of the Mindanao Railway.

“The door is open if the [Department of Transportation], [National Economic and Development Authority], and DOF may have a strong interest in discussing the possibility of this future [railway project continuation],” Sakamoto said.

Meanwhile, NEDA-Davao regional director Maria Lourdes Lim said the Mindanao railway project is seeking to look for other partners to continue the project.

“We have the Mindanao railway project, the Tagum-Davao-Digos segment, this is phase 1 of the railway project earlier, its current status is the right-of-way acquisition funded by the Philippine government,” Lim said.

The Mindanao Railway Project: Tagum-Davao-Digos, which is valued at P83 billion, is seen to reduce the travel time from Tagum City in Davao del Norte to Digos City, Davao del Sur from three and a half hours to an hour and a half. (Ian Carl Espinosa / MindaNews)

Locally-developed drones mimic birds, drop seeds for reforestation

Biomimicry uses drone technology to drop seeds just like what birds do to restore denuded forests

The drone is called the galansiyang, named after the Asian Glossy Starling, a bird that drops seeds everywhere. Just like the bird, the drone also goes to places that are hard to reach.

It was developed in the Computer Applications Department of the College of Computer Studies at the Iligan Institute of Technology (IIT), Mindanao State University.

It morphed into the Galinsayang, a startup company incubated by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Northern Mindanao. It now leads a reforestation project at the Kalatungan mountain ranges in Pangantucan, Bukidnon.

The P5.5-million reforestation project will cover four hectares out of 21,000 has., according to Ritchie Guno, DOST provincial director for Bukidnon. The project is a collaboration between Galansiyang, the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, DOST, and the local government.

Using drones, Galansiyang has a 90 percent success rate in reforesting land areas in Mindanao, Guno said.

It uses the seeds of balansihan, talingtingan, bagalug and ulayan, all endemic tree species. The seeds are coated with charcoal, manure, compost, clay, and a microbial inoculant, a slow-release fertilizer that supports plant growth. The mix is then shaped into balls.

Using 3-D printing, the drones are modified to carry and then drop the seed balls in reforestation areas.

The seed balls are prepared by students at the Bukidnon Community College, members of the Manubo and Kalatungan Mandum indigenous communities which collects the seeds in the mountains, and PAMB which approves the seeds used. The selection is based on the recommendation of the Central Mindanao University which has the data on Mt. Kalatungan’s endemic plants.

Mt. Kalatungan is the country’s fifth-tallest peak and home to at least 129 animal species and 342 plant species.

“Our methodology is founded on one of the natural ways of plant propagation with birds as seed dispersers,” said Jay Gajudo, chief executive officer of Galansiyang.

“Using drones, we can plant trees faster compared to manual tree-planting. One person can plant 480 seedlings in eight hours, while one drone can plant 8,366 seed balls in one hour.”

Galinsayang displays data on its digital platform, for easy monitoring, transparency, and to make data-driven decisions. (Malaya)

DA 10 turns over P1.5-M Enhanced Kadiwa Grant to Manolo Fortich

The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA 10), through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (Amad) program of Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita, turned over P1.5 million financial grant to the local government unit of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon

According to DA-Northern Mindanao Executive Director Carlene Collado, the Enhanced Kadiwa program allows farmers’ cooperatives and associations to participate in the accessible food supply distribution system to ensure price stability for food and essential goods in areas with high consumer demand.

“We are indeed pleased to accept this project, as it will enhance the marketing system of our farmers in Manolo Fortich, and we hope for more collaborations and partnerships with DA,” Manolo Fortich municipal agriculturist Gemma Cania said.

Amad Chief Larry Paraluman said the P1.5 million Kadiwa assistance fund was used to procure a hauling vehicle worth P1,693,500.

The additional P193,500 was provided by Manolo Fortich as its counterpart.

The local government unit also extended P106,500 as equipment equity for the town’s food terminal.

Collado also urged them to maintain the vehicle responsibly and to train the assigned driver, who should possess a National Certificate II. (DA RFO 10)

Manolo Fortich OBO among PSA Bukidnon top awardees

The Office of the Building Official (OBO) of the Local Government Unit of Manolo Fortich secured a place as one of the Top 3 awardees of most timely submissions of Approved Building Permits by the provincial Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) last Oct. 26 at Landing, Casisang, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

The award is an annual recognition with participants from 20 municipalities and two cities of the Province of Bukidnon, with only the Top 3 chosen awardees. This year, Malaybalay City, Maramag, and Manolo Fortich made it to the top list.

OBO Head Engr. Rosa Bella Saluta along with Engr. Cherry Mae Galvez had the honor of receiving the plaque during the forum and awards ceremony.

Since OBO processes and authorizes building permits for local and new establishments in the municipality, submissions of approved permits to the provincial office of PSA are done monthly. PSA uses these submissions as a report to their central office to keep an updated record of newly built establishments in the Philippines. In return, PSA awards offices that regularly submit reports.

The timely responsiveness of OBO not only promotes the efficiency of the LGU of Manolo Fortich but also contributes to the quality policy and output of PSA. (Manila Standard)

Gov’t expands cash, rice aid to Bukidnon

The government has expanded its cash and rice aid program to cover Bukidnon province following its successful implementation in Metro Manila and Laguna last week

Speaker Martin Romualdez said the activity coincided with the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair being held in Bukidnon.

The Cash and Rice Distribution (CARD) program was rolled out in response to a call by President Marcos for the government to create a system meant to give the “poor and vulnerable” families opportunities to enjoy a better quality of life through the legislative districts.

Romualdez, the chief proponent of the CARD program, said some 3,000 beneficiaries were given aid in Bukidnon, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The Speaker was assisted for the Bukidnon leg of the CARD program by congressional Reps. Jonathan Keith Flores and Laarni Lavin Roque, Gov. Neil Roque, and Davao de Oro Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora.

The CARD Program was earlier launched in Metro Manila, covering all of its 33 legislative districts, with each having 10,000 beneficiaries for a total of 330,000 residents.

At least 5,000 residents in Biñan City and Sta. Rosa in Laguna were likewise assisted by the CARD program.

The beneficiaries, notably senior citizens, persons with disability, solo parents, and indigenous people, received at least P2,000 worth of cash and rice assistance, consisting of a 25-kilo sack of rice and P1,000 cash to buy other food essentials.

Romualdez said the CARD program would cover the whole country to serve constituents of the 250 congressional districts, reaching out to at least 10,000 beneficiaries per district.

This would translate to 2.5 million indigent and vulnerable Filipinos benefitting from the CARD program. (Manila Standard)

DENR, folks celebrate 17th Aldaw ta Kalatungan

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), delegates from Indigenous People Communities, and constituents of the 21 villages within the Mt. Kalatungan Mountain Range have gathered to commemorate the 17th Aldaw ta Kalatungan

On October 18-19, 2023, all participants have gathered in Barangay Tikalaan, Talakag, Bukidnon. The theme was “Kagsabuwa para hu buhay ha Kinaiyahan daw Kultura para hu sumosunod ha kaliwatan” (Building Alliance for Sustainable Ecosystem and Culture for Future Generations).

Forester Ner A. Doydoy, Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) of Mt. Kalatungan, and his team led the yearly celebration.

Mr. Vergilino P. Alima, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer of DENR Bukidnon, graced the event.


Cong. Jose Manuel F. Alba of the first legislative district of Bukidnon was among the distinguished guests in attendance.


Datu Johnny B. Guina, Chairperson of the Council of Elders of Mt. Kalatungan headed the IP participants.

Talakag Mayor Vergito O. Factura has dispatched his town Administrator as the celebration’s host.

The event marks the recognition of Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park (MKaRNP) as a Protected Area.

The event is centered on an intensive Education and Information Campaign. Beyond this, the event serves as a unique chance to create a stronger sense of collaboration and teamwork among the diverse stakeholders of the park, with particular emphasis on strengthening ties with the Indigenous Community residing within its borders.

Furthermore, the celebration seeks to convey sincere gratitude and genuine admiration for the tireless efforts and unwavering dedication demonstrated by all those involved in the preservation of MKaRNP.

Datu Joel Alahay, Barangay Tikalaan IP Mandatory Representative (IPMR), and the Council of Elders led the ritual.

A tree-planting activity at the schoolyard of Tikalaan National High School was organized. The Dole KASILAK Foundation and MENRO of LGU Talakag have donated tree seedlings.

The LGU Talakag has sponsored the feeding program activity held at Tikalaan Central Elementary School, serving approximately 700 participating students.

Tikalaan National High School served as the venue for both Hatod Serbisyo and the Medical and Dental Mission. The Del Monte Medical Team and the Municipal Health Office of LGU Talakag, supported by the Health Workers of Barangay Tikalaan, sponsored the event.

In the Indigenous Sports Competition, IP groups displayed their skills. The annual event was highlighted by the Laga ta Kalatungan pageant competition, Pasundayag (a cultural dance presentation), and a Jingle Contest.

The following day, the 223 devoted MKaRNP Bantay Lasang Volunteers convened. This essential meeting provided a crucial platform for the volunteers to deliberate and address emerging challenges within their designated area of responsibility.

The event also garnered the participation of eminent members of the Protected Area Management Board of MKaRNP. The convergence of these notable figures not only highlighted the significance of the celebration but also emphasized the collective determination to promote sustainable development and environmental conservation in the locality.

The 18th Aldaw ta Kalatungan will be hosted by LGU Pangantucan, as per the agreement.

Standing at a remarkable 2,824 meters above sea level, Mt. Kalatungan dominates the central part of the province with its impressive height. Stretching across Valencia City and the neighboring towns of Maramag, Pangantucan, and Talakag, it’s a significant portion of the province. (melbmadera)

Lalaki naligsan sa Kalilangan

Isa ka lalaki ang naligsan og truck sa Purok 6, Malinao, Kalilangan, Bukidnon kaniadtong Nobyembre 6, 2023

Ang biktima isa ka 41-anyos, minyo, trabahante sa NIA UWA, ug residente sa Malinao, Kalilangan, Bukidnon.

Samtang ang nakaligis sa biktima isa ka 66-anyos nga lalako, minyo, ug residente sa Purok 4, Malinao, Kalilangan, Bukidnon.

Gitaho nga panaog ang biktima ug pasaka sab ang dagan sa drayber sa truck.

Tungod sa kusog nga dagan sa motorsiklo nga gisakyan sa biktima, nadigyas kini sa dalan ug napadulong sa likod nga ligid sa truck nga adunay karga nga tubo.

Wala kini mabantaye sa drayber sa truck hinungdan nga naligsan ang biktima ug nalatayan kini og ligid sa ulo hinungdan sa daling kamatayon niini.

Si Police Maj. Christian D. Serdeňa sa Kalilangan Municipal Police Station mitaho nga ang drayber sa truck gidala na sa Kalilangan MPS alang sa dugang nga imbestigasyon. (MG Mayumi B. Madera)

2 drug suspects nakorner sa Pangantucan

Duha ka mga drug suspek ang nakorner sa hiniusang pwersa sa kapolisan sa isa ka drug buy-bust operation sa Pangantucan, Bukidnon

Base sa taho nga nahipos sa Bukidnon Police Provincial Office, ang mga suspek nasikop niadtong Nobyembre 6, 2023 sa alas 6:40 sa gtabie.

Ang duha ka babae nga mga suspek nag edad og 21 ug 36-anyos, parehong Newly Identified drug personalities, ug mga residente sa Panang, Wao, Lanao del Sur.

Nasakmit gikan kanila ang gibana-bana nga 10 gramo sa gidudahang shabu nga gitahong mukantidad og Php 68,000.00.

Ang mga nasikop nga suspek anaa na sa kustodiya sa Pangantucan Municipal Police Station ug kasong paglapas sa RA 9165 ang giandam na batok kanila. (MG Mayumi B. Madera)

NACOCOW 2023 gisaulog

Ang National Correctional Consciousness Week (NACOCOW) gisaulog sa PGO-Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (PDRC)

Sumala sa kasayuran gikan sa LGU Bukidnon, ang NACOCOW gisaulog sa PDRC, Natid-asan, Casisang, Malaybalay City niadtong Oktubre 27.

Ang selebrasyon karong tuiga nagtangag sa temang: “Dekalidad na Programang pang Piitan Tungo sa Hangad na Pagbabago at Kaunlaran”.

Ang selebrasyon nagtumong sa pagpauswag sa kahibalo sa publiko ug pribado nga sektor sa kahimtang sa mga PDL.

Nahimong mabungahon ug sadya ang pagsaulog tungod sa mga nakahan-ay nga kalingawan sama sa paugnat sa kusog, variety show ug hamubo nga programa.

Ang katapusang semana sa matag Oktubre sa tuig gideklarar nga National Correctional Consciousness Week.

Ubos kini sa Proclamation No. 551, s. 1995, nga gi-issue ni kanhi Presidente Fidel V. Ramos. (MG Mayumi B. Madera)