Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Author: cmn

DOT-10 showcases Mindanao’s 1st travel hub in Bukidnon to boost tourism, MSMEs

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MALAYBALAY CITY (July 15, 2024/PIA) — The Department of Tourism (DOT)-10 reported that the opening of the tourist rest area (TRA) in the scenic town of Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon marks the first TRA in Mindanao to enhance the travel experience for local and international visitors

Marie Elaine Unchuan, DOT regional director for northern Mindanao, said during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas media forum on July 2 that the TRA sets a new benchmark for travelers’ comfort and convenience following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directives to enhance the country’s tourism sector by improving facilities and resources that can significantly boost the economy.

“The tourist rest area opened in August last year and promises to redefine the journey for domestic and foreign tourists. Its clean, well-ventilated restrooms and inviting seating areas create a relaxing oasis for weary travelers,” she said.

With maps, guides, and expert tips, its information center is essential for tourists exploring northern Mindanao’s attractions.

Showcasing culture and local products

Unchuan said the TRA doubles as a vibrant shop, offering a selected range of local delicacies and handcrafted souvenirs.

“Visitors can indulge in Bukidnon’s famous coffee, savor delectable pastries, or purchase unique keepsakes crafted by local artisans. It delights travelers and supports micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) along with other local businesses,” she added.

Beyond its Pasalubong center, the TRA showcases local artwork, such as paintings and intricate leaf carvings, enhancing atmospheric energy and displaying the region’s artistic talent.

Inclusive amenities for all needs

Multiculturalism and inclusivity are TRA’s design principles. It caters to diverse travelers’ needs. The lounge and charging stations provide a comfortable space for tourists to relax and recharge their devices.

The coffee shop offers a selection of beverages and snacks, perfect for a quick refreshment break.

The TRA offers family-friendly amenities such as clean restrooms with showers and a lactation room to cater to the needs of even the youngest travelers.

Strategic location for maximum convenience

Travelers exploring Bukidnon and nearby provinces will find TRA an ideal pit stop due to its strategic location at the crossroads of major travel routes. Its proximity to Misamis Oriental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, North Cotabato, and Lanao del Sur enhances accessibility for visitors discovering the region’s natural and cultural wonders.

Emalyn Cagolcol, a traveler from Valencia City, described the tourist rest area in Manolo Fortich as truly one of a kind.

“It was more than a mere rest stop. The facilities are not only clean and well-kept. It is also scenically situated amidst the serene landscapes of Bukidnon. It provided a much-needed break during our trip, allowing us to recharge and refresh ourselves before continuing our adventure,” she shared.

Manolo Fortich TRA is the second DOT-managed rest area in the country, following the successful model established in Medellin, Cebu.

“This TRA exemplifies DOT’s commitment to providing world-class facilities nationwide, ensuring travelers have access to modern and well-maintained facilities,” the DOT-10 regional director said. (Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

Agri NorMin lauds AMIA villages in first congress

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MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – To showcase the different climate-resilient communities in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) conducts an awarding for the AMIA villages during its 1st AMIA-10 Congress on July 11-12, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, in Dalwangan, here

With this year’s theme, “Klima atimana para sa malahutayong pag-uma ug ekonomiya,” the event gathered farmer-beneficiaries, local government units, and other stakeholders to share the success and innovations of the 11 AMIA villages in the region.

Climate Resilient Agriculture Office National Director Alicia G. Ilaga noted that apart from building climate-resilient communities, the AMIA program also seeks to eradicate poverty.

“Mithiin nating mai-level up ang ating mga AMIA village mula sa pagiging maliliit na production units, papunta sa market-oriented climate-resilient enterprises o yung tinatawag nating AMIA Climate-Resilient Agri-Fishery Technology-based Enterprises (AMIA CREATE),” the CRAO director added.

As such, AMIA-10 held a Booth Display contest with the criteria: number of products displayed (30 percent), quality of products displayed (25 percent), landscape and display (25 percent), and question and answer (20 percent).

Of which, Libona AMIA village of Bukidnon emerged as the first placer, followed by Manolo Fortich of Bukidnon and Magsaysay AMIA Village of Misamis Oriental, as second and third placers, respectively.

Meanwhile, select AMIA villages in its Phase 3 level of implementation also presented their best practices and adjudged with the criteria: productivity and income (30 percent), technologies and practices employed (25 percent), readiness to entrepreneurship (20 percent), ability to present (15 percent) and question and answer (10 percent).

Manolo Fortich AMIA village topped for the AMIA village Presenter Award, while Magsaysay, Libona, and Baungon AMIA villages followed as the second, third, and fourth placers, respectively. (AMBM)

800 NorMin families to get food credits under ‘Walang Gutom’

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (July 16, 2024/PNA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Northern Mindanao (DSWD-10) on Tuesday started the implementation of the Walang Gutom Program (WGP), which will initially benefit 800 families

During the launch, DSWD-10 Director Ramel Jamen said the initial beneficiaries were identified as those from Talakag, Bukidnon, and Iligan City.

Each family will receive PHP3,000 worth of food credits monthly through the electronic benefit transfer card that DSWD-10 will issue.

Suppliers who are also beneficiaries of the Sustainable Livelihood Program will accept the food credits.

“We would need constant communication for this program to prosper. If we have a problem in our supply distribution, we can look for alternatives,” Jamen said.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, 1.4 million Filipino families are categorized as food-poor In Northern Mindanao.

The WGP targets to serve over 9,000 beneficiaries in Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte, including Iligan City.

The program aims to reduce involuntary hunger and malnutrition in low-income households and empower them to become productive citizens. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

DOLE-Bukidnon updates over 300 entrepreneurs on labor laws

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MALAYBALAY CITY (May 27, 2024/PIA) – To stay informed about the most recent labor laws, more than 300 small business owners in Malaybalay City participated in the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Bukidnon’s TAV (Technical and Advisory Visit) program on May 17

The labor department conducted a series of TAVs to assist small business owners with self-evaluation and compliance with documentary requirements.

These sessions provided valuable insights and guidance, offering a platform for business owners to voice their concerns and engage in face-to-face discussions with DOLE representatives.

Key topics included statutory monetary benefits, types of leave, social welfare, and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) programs.

Video presentations explained various aspects of labor laws, such as the General Labor Standards and the TAV Action Plan.

Ma. Elna Seguiro, a senior DOLE-Bukidnon labor officer, emphasized that the TAVs align with DOLE’s new developmental approach outlined in Department Order No. 238. This approach underscores the enforcement of labor standards mandated by the Philippine Labor Code and Republic Act No. 11058.

“The TAVs mark an impactful step towards engaging with a wider range of establishments, from small businesses to larger companies, fostering a culture of compliance, and promoting fair and ethical labor practices,” Seguiro said.

Niña Cosmod, a supervisor at Biaños Pizza Bukidnon, expressed her gratitude for the initiative.

“We thanked DOLE for conducting this TAV orientation. It allowed us to review what is lacking in our establishment that we must comply with and follow,” she said.

Through these initiatives, DOLE-Bukidnon prioritizes workers’ safety and fair treatment by supporting local industries and ensuring their adherence to labor laws, benefiting both workers and businesses.

“The TAVs go beyond educating business owners. It encourages implementing best practices that create a win-win situation for employees and employers, ultimately enhancing Malaybalay’s overall labor landscape,” Seguiro explained. (BGEpan/PIA 10-Bukidnon)

3,097 Bukidnon farmers receive fuel subsidy

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VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon – Some 3,097 farmers from Valencia City and the towns of San Fernando, Dangcagan, Damulog, Don Carlos and Kadingilan of Bukidnon province received fuel assistance amounting to P9.291-million from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, on May 20, 2024

The assistance, provided by the agency’s Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), aims to help farmers who are mechanizing their farm operations with various agricultural machinery in order to strengthen farmers’ resilience and reduce the impact of oil price increases on farmers’ production costs.

Furthermore, the project is in line with the DA chief’s three-year strategy to mechanize and modernize agriculture and fishery production systems in order to boost agricultural productivity, cut food costs, assure food security, and make farming and fishing a more bankable investment option.

The fuel discount cards were distributed to 1,230 farmers in Valencia City, 503 in San Fernando, 742 in Dangcagan, 110 in Damulog, 106 in Don Carlos, and 406 in Kadingilan.

Each farmer-beneficiary will receive P3K, provided they are duly enrolled in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

He/she or the Farmers’ Cooperative Association (FCA) to which he/she belongs must own operable farm machinery as listed in the Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering Management Information System (ABEMIS).

One of the Valencia City recipients, Anna S. Neri, thanked the department for making the effort to offer farmers fuel subsidies, which serve to reduce the cost of gasoline or fuel.

Furthermore, the distribution is accomplished in collaboration with Universal Storefront Services, Corp. (MPMT)

DA-NorMin breaks ground for establishment of corn, rice processing centers in Bukidnon

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DALWANGAN, Malaybalay City – In its aim to support the post-production systems of two of the region’s top agricultural commodities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of rice and corn processing centers in the province of Bukidnon

On May 24, DA Undersecretary for High-Value Crops Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, with DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca led the groundbreaking of the two processing centers.

Funded under the agency’s Rice Program, a 900 sq.m. rice processing center, worth over P49 million will soon serve farmers in Barangay Pinatilan, Valencia City, Bukidnon.

Said infrastructure will also include one mechanical dryer set, with a capacity of 10 to 12 tons per set, as well as one direct-fired biomass furnace with a maximum heat power of 500.

Through said facility, DA aims to strategically improve the efficiency of the rice post-production system, and reduce post-harvest losses, thereby ensuring the improved quality of milled rice from the said community.

Meanwhile, a 1,920 sq.m. corn processing center will also soon rise in DA’s Research Center for Upland Development in Barangay Barongcot, Dangcagan, Bukidnon.

Funded through DA’s Corn Program, the corn processing center worth over P98-million, also includes a pre-cleaner and aspirator; 2 mechanical dryer sets, each able to cater 27-30 tons per set; and 2 corn silos with a capacity of around 1,500 to 2,000 tons per set.

Strategically located in the southern part of Bukidnon, the corn facility aims to bolster the needs of local farmers, and foster a more sustainable and efficient production of nearby corn-producing municipalities including Maramag, Don Carlos, Kitaotao, Kadingilan, Kalilangan, Pangantucan, Kibawe, Damulog, and Quezon.

Said interventions are aligned with DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr.’s three-year, eight-point plan for a ‘Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas’, which entails the modernization and mechanization of agri-fishery productions, as well as the development and improvement of post-harvest systems and infrastructures throughout the country.

Signifying their support for the project, the groundbreaking ceremony was also participated by Farmer-Director for the month of May, Nilda B. Salas; and DA-10 Provincial Operations Center – Bukidnon chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM with Rice Program focal person Chona H. Nacalaban and Corn Program focal person Richan D. Lacanaria. (GDA)

Major infra projects underway to link communities across Normin

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (May 28, 2024/PIA) – Engr. Zenaida Tan, the regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-10, unveiled the latest progress on infrastructure flagship projects in northern Mindanao during the premiere episode of “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” on May 28

Tan highlighted the completion of the 12.8-kilometer Gusa-Igpit section of the Cagayan de Oro Coastal Road, valued at P3.246 billion, with only final adjustments on the rotunda pending.

The Puerto-Gusa section of the Cagayan de Oro Coastal Road is a four-lane concrete pavement highway spanning 8.95 km with a viaduct that passes over the Baloy Port, Gusa, Cugman, Umalag, and Agusan Rivers, with a combined bridge length of approximately 6,330 linear meters.

“Ang total estimated cost ani nga section is P36.294 billion, ug ang na release pa lang is P1.2 billion. Ang accomplishment ani karon is 6.66 kilometers long, or 660 meters nga rock embankment. Karong tuiga, naay ongoing nga road embankment nga adunay katas-on nga 120 linear meters,” she explained.

(The total estimated cost of this section is P36.294 billion, and only P1.2 billion was released. The accomplishment for this as of today is 6.66 kilometers long, or 660 meters of rock embankment. This year, there is an ongoing road embankment with a height of 120 linear meters.)

According to Tan, once the two sections are connected, travel time, currently ranging from 90 minutes to two hours, is projected to decrease significantly to just 30 minutes.

The regional director said there is also the Cagayan de Oro Diversion Road Extension, costing P3.8 billion. This is a two-lane road that starts at Jct. Sayre Highway Alae in Manolo Fortich continues through Malitbog in Bukidnon and ends at Barangay Lanise, Claveria, in Misamis Oriental. This project entails road opening, road concreting, and the construction of five bridges, which total 49.79 kilometers in length. Currently, 20.89 kilometers of the road is finished, with one bridge under construction.

Tan highlighted that the project will reduce the travel time from Manolo Fortich to Claveria from 90 minutes to just 60 minutes.

Another notable project is the Iligan City Coastal Bypass Project, which has a length of 7.2 kilometers and an estimated cost of P4.784 billion. The project, designed to alleviate congestion on the Misamis Oriental-Maria Cristina Boundary Road, particularly during peak hours, has received a funding allocation of P2.735 billion, with 1.42 kilometers of gravel road/rock embankment completed so far.

The CDO-Opol-El Salvador-Alubijid-Laguindingan Airport Mountain Diversion Road, a P7.852 billion project, is a four-lane route extending from Cagayan de Oro City to the western side of Misamis Oriental, covering 37.6 kilometers. This project involves graveling, concreting, and the construction of nine bridges, with 5.22 kilometers of road already concreted.

Tan underscored that, besides reducing travel time, this project will unlock agri-industrial opportunities for farmers in the upland areas.

The “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas,” organized by the Presidential Communications Office through the Philippine Information Agency, is a nationwide synchronized weekly media forum to communicate updates on the programs, projects, and services of various national government agencies and departments. (Apipa P. Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

Canada gidayeg sa pagtangtang sa travel ban batok Bukidnon

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Gidayeg sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) ang nasud sa Canada pinaagi sa pagpalabang sa isa ka resolusyon gumikan sa pagtangtang niini sa travel ban ngadto sa iyang katawhan panganhi sa probinsiya sa Bukidnon

Sumala sa kasayoran sa PGB, nalabang ang resolusyon atol sa 88th Regular Session sa SP nga giduso ni SP member Nemesio B. Beltran, Jr.

Niadtong Enero, nalakip ang Bukidnon sa advisory sa Canada diin gidid-an ang ilang lumulopyo sa pagbisita human sa MSU-IIT bombing niadtong Disyembre 3 sa miaging tuig.

Hinuon, niadtong Mayo 3 nga edition sa Philippine Star, namantala nga gitangtang na sa Canada ang mga probinsya sa Misamis Oriental ug Bukidnon sa mga lugar sa Pilipinas nga ginadili ang pagbiyahe sa Canadian citizens.

DA joins presidential assistance distribution to El Niño-hit farmers, fishers in NorMin

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu P. Laurel, Jr., along with other cabinet members joins President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in his visit here for the distribution of government assistance to El Niño-hit farmers and fishers in identified areas in Northern Mindanao on May 16, at the International Convention Center

Forty (40) qualified farmers and fisherfolk from Cagayan de Oro City, and the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, and Bukidnon received PhP10K each in assistance from the Office of the President.


President Marcos Jr. also handed over PhP10 million worth of El Niño mitigating assistance to the City Government of Cagayan de Oro and the Provincial Government of Camiguin, while the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon each received PhP50-million in assistance.


“Ang sadya po namin dito ay upang personal na i-abot sa ating mga lokal na pamahalaan ang Presidential assistance para sa ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda na napinsala, naapektuhan ng El Niño. Ito ay nagkakahalaga ng sampung libong piso na tulong sa mga kwalipikadong magsasaka, mangingisda at mga pamilyang labis na naapektuhan ng tagtuyot na dinadanas natin ngayon. Maliit na halaga po, ngunit umaasa akong magagamit ninyo ito upang makapagsimula muli.” he said.


For his part, DA Secretary Laurel bared that the department under his helm has drummed up its initiatives to ensure that farmers and fishers in Region 10 have access to the agency’s programs and projects such as the provision of various agricultural assistance like agri inputs (vegetable, corn and rice seeds, and fertilizers), machinery and equipment, Fertilizer Discount Vouchers (FDVs), Rice Farmers’ Financial Assistance, among others.


The DA official added that it continues to pursue and complement the efforts of other government agencies to hurdle challenges in ensuring the continued supply of adequate food at economical prices.


“Our initiatives bring together our commitment to strengthened regional efforts to provide more efficient public services.” the agricultural secretary noted, underscoring that convergence is the key to coming up with concrete and sustainable [agricultural] enterprises in the area [NorMin].


Citing the downpour of interventions for NorMin to cushion the impact brought about by El Niño, the president assured that more help is underway from the government to uphold regional development.


“Makakaasa naman ang lahat na hindi lamang sa panahon ng hirap ay nariyan ang inyong gobyerno. Dahil tuloy-tuloy ang mga programang imprastraktura sa inyong lungsod at rehiyon, gaya ng pagpagawa ng mga paliparan, kalsada, at iba pang mga proyekto.” President Marcos furthered.


DA-Regional Field Office 10 headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan along with its attached regional line agencies, bureaus, and corporations, are among the government instrumentalities who took part in the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair, held at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, where farmers and fisherfolk availed of mobile agri-fishery techno services. (JLO/ATT)

Mayor Huervas eyes gubernatorial post

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VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon (May 18, 2024) – Last-termer Valencia City Mayor Azucena P. Huervas intends to run for the province’s highest elected office

She launched her candidacy for provincial governor in the May 2025 local elections.
The declaration took place on May 18, 2024, at the Valencia City Gymnasium and Cultural Center.
However, she clarified that she will file her certificate of candidacy as soon as no Zubiri family member runs for the office.
She’s referring to the family of former Governor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr. whom she regarded as her political mentor.
The former governor chose her to replace the late Valencia City Vice Mayor Banjamin Verano, and she later became mayor.
If her proposal goes through, she will run against her compatriot incumbent provincial Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque.
When asked about her probable tandem, she stated that she did not consider having one due to the incumbent vice governor, Clive Quiño.
Huervas stated that she has the right to run for office and allow the people to decide.
She went on to say that even if she lost, she has no regrets.
Mayor Miguel Silva of Pangantucan, a last termer, is reportedly seeking for the same position but has yet to confirm his candidacy.
Huervas has been chosen as Bukidnon Provincial Chairperson of the PFP.
Meanwhile, fourth district board member Rodrigo Rosal also announced his candidacy for Valencia City mayor, a position to be vacated by Huervas.
Huervas, Rosal, and others took their oath as members of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s political party, on the day they declared their candidacy.
When asked about his tandem, Rosal stated that they already have candidates to evaluate and that the selection process will be done sooner.
Roque, Huervas, and Rosal live in Valencia, a city with a large turnout in Bukidnon. (melbmadera and MG Mayumi B. Madera)