Friday, February 21, 2025

Category: News

PhilHealth to expand services to Bukidnon IPs

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (February 11, 2025, 9:42 pm) – The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is working to expand its coverage to indigenous peoples (IPs) in Bukidnon province

PhilHealth Bukidnon local health insurance chief Romulo Lapuz Jr. said on Tuesday that one of the agency’s goals is to provide free health insurance to the seven tribes in the province.
“We hope to sign a memorandum of agreement with our indigenous peoples by the end of the year,” he said.
Lapuz said registering indigenous peoples with PhilHealth will save time and enable the agency to assist them.
PhilHealth Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) Vice President Delio Aseron II said that other health packages were launched to celebrate National Health Insurance Month.
“PhilHealth Region 10 will continue to advance the National Health Insurance Program and Universal Health Care for all 5.2 million Filipinos in the region,” he said. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

P23 minimum wage hike in Northern Mindanao takes effect

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The daily minimum wage in Northern Mindanao increased by P23 for private non-agricultural workers starting January 12, 2025. Agricultural workers also received a P23 increase on the same date, with an additional P12 effective July 1, 2025, bringing the total increase to P35

This means that by July this year, the minimum wage for both non-agricultural and agricultural workers will be the same: P461 for Wage Category 1 and P446 for Category 2.
Wage Category 1 includes the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Malaybalay, Valencia, Gingoog, El Salvador, Ozamiz, and the municipalities of Tagoloan, Villanueva, Jasaan, Opol, Maramag, Quezon, Manolo Fortich, and Lugait.
Meanwhile, Wage Category 2 covers all areas outside Wage Category 1, as well as retail and service establishments that employ no more than 10 workers.
In a press conference of the Regional Tripartite Wage Board (RTWPB) Region 10, chaired by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-10, this minimum wage rate adjustment for the private sector in Northern Mindanao, under Wage Order No. RX-23, underwent a series of wage consultations and public hearings attended by representatives from both the workers’ and employers’ sectors.
“We took into consideration the poverty threshold in Region 10. When we say poverty threshold, that’s the minimum income required to meet the basic needs of our people,” said Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño, vice chairperson and regional director of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-10.
Limuel R. Oliverio, a labor representative of the Mindanao Alliance of Land Transport Unions (MALTU), shared that they have come up with this increase to ensure a compromise between employers and workers.
“We have to balance because small establishments should at least be able to cope and maintain jobs. If we want, we can go beyond P461, but it should not go below P461,” Oliverio said.
Meanwhile, Engr. Milbert M. Macarambon, a labor representative from the All Workers Alliance Trade Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (AWATU-TUCP), explained that they went through a consultation process involving both the labor and management sectors.
“The inflation rate was also discussed and is one of the criteria used for issuing the wage order,” he said.
Similarly, domestic workers, or Kasambahay, in Region 10 will receive a P1,000 increase, raising the minimum monthly wage from P5,000 to P6,000, as mandated by Wage Order RBX-DW-05.
Atty. Joffrey M. Suyao, chairperson and regional director of DOLE 10, announced that starting January 12 this year, the new monthly minimum wage for domestic workers cannot be less than P6,000.
Domestic workers, or Kasambahay, cover general house helpers, cooks, nannies, gardeners, laundry persons, or anyone who regularly performs domestic work in one household on an occupational basis. Those not covered include service providers, family drivers, and children under foster family arrangements. (Jasper Marie O. Rucat/PIA-10)

Bukidnon teacher Junmerth Jorta among the top 50 finalists of 2025 Global Teacher Prize

Posted on by cmn

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 09, 2025, 08:08 AM PHT) — Junmerth Jorta, a public school teacher in Bukidnon, has earned a spot among the Top 50 finalists for the 2025 GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize

Jorta, who also received the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher Award in 2022, was celebrated for his dedication that began in a remote indigenous community in Sitio Balugo, Kalagangan, San Fernando, Bukidnon, viewing his role as a calling rather than just a job.
“I want to continue doing my best for the countless IP (indigenous people) children, helping them prepare at an early age to have the highest possible chances of becoming successful in the near future,” said Junmerth.
More than half of Indigenous Peoples see themselves as ‘poor,’ according to the World Bank.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Junmerth shared the challenges he faced when he began teaching in 2015.
Faced with a lack of electricity, water supply, sanitation facilities, and access to television or radio-based instruction, he was determined to bring change and serve the community.
He collaborated with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), local government units (LGUs), and private organizations, convinced it was his duty to connect with the right stakeholders to provide essential resources and support for the learners.
Balugo Pagkaon Sakto Program

This program emerged from the harsh reality that numerous students of Junmerth come to school feeling hungry. He launched this daily hunger-free lunch initiative to address malnutrition, improve attendance, and enhance learning outcomes.
Supported by partnerships with NGOs such as the Hapag-Asa Foundation, the municipal mayor’s office, and the Department of Agriculture, the program has been operating successfully for seven years.
An NGO obtains surplus food from restaurants and hotels to feed the poor.
This effort has not only curbed absenteeism and dropouts but has also encouraged students to engage actively in class.
“A well-nourished child is more attentive and ready to learn, proving that you cannot truly teach a hungry child,” said Jorta.

Basa Balugo Program

To address literacy challenges, Jorta developed a special reading program for non-readers. By teaching in the students’ first language, he established a strong foundation for comprehension and confidence.
Through this collaborative approach, he created contextualized and indigenized reading materials embedded with effective strategies that students could bring home for practice.
Regular home visits further supported struggling students, encouraging older siblings and parents to participate in their development. This approach ensured that students received continuous learning support beyond the classroom.

Special Class Program

To address literacy challenges, Jorta developed a special reading program for non-readers. By teaching in the students’ first language, he established a strong foundation for comprehension and confidence.
Through this collaborative approach, he created contextualized and indigenized reading materials embedded with effective strategies that students could bring home for practice.
Regular home visits further supported struggling students, encouraging older siblings and parents to participate in their development. This approach ensured that students received continuous learning support beyond the classroom.

Okay sa Balugo Program

Jorta also organized a program to strengthen the school’s resources through partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
“Together, we secured funding for additional classrooms, chairs, a stage, and restrooms,” he said.
Private donors contributed school supplies, health kits, and even internet connectivity, ensuring access to online learning resources. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, they implemented radio-based teaching to ensure continuity of education.
Beyond education, Jorta also advocated for improvements in infrastructure, which included a farm-to-market road project, securing initial funding to address transportation issues within the community.
“Though only part of the road is completed, I remain hopeful for additional support under the new administration,” he said.
Over nearly eight years, Jorta has witnessed the struggles of the community. Through resilience and collaboration with the community, he has strived to uplift the lives of students and families in Sitio Balugo, demonstrating that education is a powerful catalyst for change.
These innovations, achieved through collaborative efforts, reflect his commitment to addressing issues via community-driven solutions, fostering an inclusive and thriving learning environment.
“To all educators worldwide, especially those teaching in remote and underserved communities, our work is more than just a profession; it is a lifeline of hope and opportunity,” Junmerth added.
The Global Teacher Prize is an annual award of US$1 million presented by the Varkey Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to a teacher who has made a significant impact in the field. (Ronnie Crispo Jr./ABS-CBN News Intern)

DA-NorMin boosts agri support for ancestral land development

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To expand Northern Mindanao’s agricultural production areas, the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-NorMin) has prepared to roll out agricultural projects for eligible Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICC/IP) in the region

In a consultation meeting on Monday, February 10, DA-NorMin Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan and DA-Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project Regional Project Coordination Office 10 (DA-MIADP RPCO 10) Deputy Project Director Joel S. Rudinas met with leaders of the Kalanawan 2 Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) of San Luis, Malitbog, Bukidnon, led by Datu Man-Untolan Rogelio D. Sumonda, to discuss agricultural projects for implementation by the DA under its regular programs and the DA-MIADP this year.

The consultation facilitated a bilateral dialogue to outline the DA’s policies and procedures for granting agricultural projects and define the roles of the Kalanawan 2 IPS as the project recipient.

To increase agricultural productivity, the ICC/IP will receive agri-livelihood projects from the DA-MIADP, a World Bank-funded initiative, as outlined in the Ancestral Domain Agriculture Implementation Framework (ADAIF)—a development plan created in accordance with the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP) of the ICC/IP.

While comprehensive resource-based agricultural projects will be developed under the DA-MIADP, RED Pacamalan initiated immediate agricultural interventions from the DA’s regular programs for the Kalanawan 2 IPS, including corn and adlay seeds, fertilizer, sprayers, grass cutters, drums, corn shellers, and goats.

The community will also receive training in soybean production and processing, as well as in natural pest control technology using biological control agents (BCA).

He also urged the Kalanawan 2 clan members to register with the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) of the DA for proper profiling.

The Kalanawan 2 IPS spans over 8,000 hectares of ancestral land under Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title-203 (CADT-203) and is inhabited by at least 103 families.

Following the directive of President Marcos, the DA, led by Secretary Francisco P. Tiu-Laurel Jr., aims to provide more assistance for a prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive future in the country’s agricultural sector. (ATT)

PNP-10 deploys 13,414 checkpoints as COMELEC rallies government support

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (February 11, 2025) — As the 2025 national and local elections approach, the Philippine National Police Regional Office (PNP-PRO)-10 has deployed 13,414 checkpoints across northern Mindanao to ensure a secure and orderly election period. This extensive operation is part of a coordinated effort with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)-10, which has mobilized various government agencies to uphold the integrity of the electoral process

“The Police Regional Office-10 conducted threat and risk assessments for COMELEC officials to ensure their security during the 2025 election period and prevent violence targeting election officers. Out of 99 election officers in Region 10, 96 were assessed as having no threat, including the Regional Elections Director,” said PCol. Reynante Reyes, chief of the Regional Operations Division.
He added that PNP-10 has also conducted a one-day checkpoint seminar to train personnel on proper procedures for election-related checkpoints, focusing on gun bans, enforcement, and inter-agency coordination.
“To enhance security, our Police Regional Office implemented fragmented and overlapping checkpoints, making it difficult for individuals with illicit intentions to predict locations or times. These unpredictable tactics discourage dangerous and unlawful activities, encouraging stricter adherence to election laws,” Reyes said.
At the checkpoints, PNP-10 confiscated 28 firearms, 25 small arms, three light weapons, other ammunition, and arrested 29 violators. This operation was conducted in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, local traffic management units, the Highway Patrol Group, and the Land Transportation Office.
He also noted that the crime environment in Region 10 has seen significant improvements, with a 37.31 percent drop in index crimes and a 10.34 percent reduction in non-index crimes compared to previous years. Reyes attributed these achievements to aggressive law enforcement, community engagement, and strategic interventions targeting high-risk areas such as Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City.

COMELEC’s call for a whole-of-nation approach
Misamis Occidental Election Officer Lawyer Rowell Valledor emphasized the importance of a whole-nation approach to election security. He stated that COMELEC directives take precedence over other government orders, particularly regarding personnel movements, to ensure fair and transparent operations.
Valledor also highlighted the role of law enforcement in maintaining peace, enforcing the gun ban, and preventing armed individuals from approaching polling centers. “There is an absolute prohibition within a 50-meter radius of the polling place. Both state and non-state armed actors, whether affiliated with the government or not, are prohibited from being within this radius,” he explained.
To curb election-related offenses, Valledor mentioned that COMELEC has partnered with the National Bureau of Investigation, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. These agencies will closely monitor threats, vote-buying, and misinformation campaigns related to the elections.
The PNP and NBI cybersecurity units have established a special online campaign monitoring committee to combat false information related to the elections. “At least there is this new committee because many of us are spending time at home or online, and the information we receive may not be accurate. This committee will regulate misinformation and hold accountable those who unfairly campaign during the upcoming elections,” Valledor said.
As the May 12, 2025 elections approach, government agencies are continuing to collaborate to uphold democracy. Valledor compared this collective effort to NASA’s historic moon landing mission, emphasizing that every individual—from security forces to election officers—plays a vital role in ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful election. (Recthie T. Paculba/PIA-10)

Northern Mindanao RDC members, solons review FY 2026 regional budget proposals

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) and Northern Mindanao Congresspersons scrutinized the proposed regional budget of P416.04 billion for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The proposal includes 46 agency regional offices, government-owned and controlled corporations, and 11 state universities and colleges.
During the Joint RDC-X Full Council and Advisory Committee Meeting on February 6, 2025, at the Chali Resort and Conference Center, the proposed budgets were endorsed to the agency central offices (ACOs) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for inclusion in the FY 2026 National Expenditure Program, subject to modifications requested by the congresspersons and RDC-X members.
The Infrastructure and Utilities Development Sector holds the largest share of the regional budget proposal at P224.69 billion (54%), with 95.05 percent allocated to the Department of Public Works and Highways-X for national road and flood control projects.
The Social Development Sector follows with P146.59 billion (35.20%), of which 45 percent is designated for the Department of Education-X to enhance basic education services and improve lifelong learning.
The Economic Development Sector has a proposed budget of P38.72 billion (9.31%), with 84.27 percent primarily allocated for farm-to-market road projects under the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10.
Lastly, the Macro and Development Administration Sector proposes P6.03 billion (1.45%) for various catalytic infrastructure projects, including police stations and army camp development.
The final budget proposals, incorporating the comments, recommendations, and requested augmentations from congresspersons and RDC-X members, will be submitted—along with the RDC-X endorsement—to the relevant ACOs and the DBM in March 2025.
“These budget proposals are more than just numbers; they reflect our priorities, the needs of our communities, and our collective vision for Northern Mindanao’s growth and progress,” said Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo, RDC-X Chairperson and Lanao del Norte Provincial Governor.
The regional budget preparation process began with the Regional Budget Forum on January 8, 2025, followed by handholding activities, stakeholder consultations, and sectoral committee meetings, concluding on February 4, 2025.
“We are fortunate to have with us the esteemed members of our Advisory Committee, particularly our Region X Congresspersons, who play a crucial role in ensuring that the budget proposals we endorse today are effectively advocated in Congress and eventually in the Senate,” added Dimaporo.
The meeting was co-convened by Rufus B. Rodriguez, Representative of Cagayan de Oro’s 2nd Congressional District.
The FY 2026 budget proposal represents a 321 percent increase compared to the FY 2025 GAA-approved budget, highlighting the region’s intensified funding needs for social, macro administration, economic, and infrastructure development priorities. (NEDA-X/PIA-10)

Coffee stakeholders scale up NorMin’s coffee roadmap, to brand Bukidnon as Arabica capital

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), led by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, recently convened coffee stakeholders for a public-private consultation to consolidate plans, programs, and funding for scaling up Northern Mindanao’s coffee roadmap

The consultation was attended by representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry – Region 10 (DTI-10), local government units (LGUs), farmers’ cooperatives, agribusiness enterprises, and DA Undersecretary for the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero.

DA-10’s RED Pacamalan emphasized the need for a unified direction among stakeholders to drive the development of the region’s coffee industry.

A resolution to adopt the Bukidnon Coffee Roadmap for 2025, aiming to establish the province as the Arabica capital of the country, is poised for approval, as disclosed by Kimberly A. Bacasma, senior trade-industry development specialist at DTI-10.

She also identified challenges in coffee cultivation, such as outdated methods, fragmented growers, limited marketing avenues, and insufficient financial resources for expansion as focus areas for roadmap development.

Undersecretary Natividad-Caballero recommended consolidating existing interventions at the farmer, firm, and industry levels to ensure effective operationalization.

Furthermore, the undersecretary advocated for the strategic utilization and maximization of the Competitiveness Enhancement Measures Fund (CEMF) to attract public investments.

The CEMF can fund coffee-related projects up to PhP50 million, subject to the proponents’ eligibility, with a 20% counterpart required from qualified proponents. These grants can support initiatives in production, postharvest handling, processing, marketing, infrastructure development, and the acquisition of equipment and facilities.

For its part, RED Pacamalan vowed that DA-10’s drone team would undertake drone mapping to identify coffee farming areas, determine coffee varieties, and profile the farmers operating in those areas.

“Through this digitization, we can establish baseline data to consolidate coffee farmers, which will serve as a foundation for the region’s coffee industry development over the next 2 to 3 years,” he said.

After the consultation, the executive director advocated for provincial-level dialogue to explore specific action plans, align initiatives, and identify essential government infrastructure investments for the undertaking.

Key partners and stakeholders, including Nestlé Philippines’ Coffee+Project, Mindanao Development Authority’s (MinDA) Ancestral Domain Investment Plans, and DTI-10’s Rural Agro-Enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) Project, shared their initiatives aligned with the Northern Mindanao Coffee Roadmap.

Also present during the consultation were DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, HVCDP Director Joseph C. Manicad, national and regional DA personnel, and representatives from Bayanihan Millenium Multipurpose Cooperative, Kauyagan Savers Multipurpose Cooperative, Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative, MM Cares, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Harbest Agribusiness Corp., and the local government units of Misamis Oriental, Iligan City, and Bukidnon. (BJCE)

Army installs new 4ID commander, pledges peacebuilding efforts

Posted on by Heber Quinco

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (January 28, 2025, 7:21 pm) – The Philippine Army on Tuesday installed Brig. Gen. Michele Anayron Jr. as the new commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), overseeing parts of Northern Mindanao and the Caraga region

In his inaugural speech, Anayron emphasized his commitment to advancing peace and development in collaboration with various stakeholders and ensuring robust security measures within the division’s areas of responsibility.

“Through peace and development zones, we implement high-impact programs with the aid of national agencies, local government units, non-government organizations, and the private sector,” he said.

Anayron underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder support in addressing the root causes of insurgency, which is a priority under his command.

He succeeded Brig. Gen. Consolito Yecla, who served as acting commander after the retirement of Maj. Gen. Jose Ma. Cuerpo II earlier this month.

Prior to his appointment, Anayron commanded the 403rd Infantry Brigade in Bukidnon province, leading battalions and special forces that played a crucial role in dismantling New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla fronts.

His military career began in 1992 when he served as a civil-military operations officer in the Visayas. He later held prominent leadership roles in Mindanao, including assignments with the Eastern Mindanao Command and the Mechanized Infantry Division.

Anayron is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Tanglaw-Diwa” Class of 1992 and has completed specialized military training, including the Scout Ranger and Armor Officer Basic courses, with distinction. He also trained internationally, participating in Special Operations Team training in Queensland, Australia, and completing the Grade 2 Staff Officer Course.

Alongside his military credentials, Anayron holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Xavier University, a Master’s in Public Management from the Development Academy of the Philippines, and a Master’s in National Security Administration from the National Defense College of the Philippines.

“Under my leadership, the 4ID will continue its mission to foster peaceful and resilient communities,” Anayron said.

PNP IAS chief visits Bukidnon to honor police service, strengthen integrity

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MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – Inspector General of the Philippine National Police Internal Affairs Service (IAS) Brigido De Jesus Dulay visited Bukidnon on January 20 to acknowledge the dedication and sacrifices of the local police force while emphasizing the importance of integrity in public service

During his first command visit and inspection at Camp Captain Ramon Onahon, Provincial Director Colonel Jovit L. Culaway and the Bukidnon police hosted a welcome ceremony for the PNP IAS chief from the national headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

The Bukidnon Police Provincial Office (BukPPO) honored Dulay with an arrival ceremony at the camp’s Grandstand, demonstrating solidarity and readiness for the inspection and audit.

In his speech, Dulay expressed heartfelt gratitude for the dedication and commitment of the country’s police officers.

“I recognize the weight of your responsibilities, the sacrifices you endure, and the risks you face daily. Your work requires courage, resilience, and heart. For this, I extend my respect and gratitude. Thank you for your service and sacrifices for the nation,” he said.

He emphasized the core values that every officer must uphold—integrity, accountability, commitment, and fairness—stressing that these principles are essential for building public trust and ensuring high-quality police service.

“Policing is more than a job; it is a calling with the highest expectations. Let us fulfill these for ourselves, those we serve, the families who depend on us, and the nation we have pledged to protect,” Dulay reminded the officers.

The visit allowed PNP Bukidnon to engage directly with the IAS Chief, reinforcing their commitment to integrity, accountability, and community trust while demonstrating the government’s efforts to enhance PNP professionalism under the vision “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Ang Gusto ng Pulis Ligtas Ka.” (Jessa M. Cleopas/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

Agri-10 eyes strengthened beef cattle marketing innovations among NorMin industry stakeholders

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MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon — As demand for beef cattle production and marketing grows, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10), led by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, hosted a beef cattle marketing innovations seminar and workshop on January 24 to foster networking and collaboration among stakeholders

Following a memorandum from the DA Office of the Assistant Secretary highlighting the need for innovative marketing strategies and technological advancements to support the beef cattle industry, DA-10 aims to equip producers with modern marketing tools to enhance product visibility and consumer engagement.


In his message, DA Assistant Secretary for Ruminant Livestock Benjamin C. Albarece, DVM, emphasized the market’s importance as a foundation for improving livelihoods in the livestock industry.


“We are here today to address marketing challenges and explore collaboration to create effective plans that will serve as a foundation for our guidelines and policies. It is essential to hear from farmers at the grassroots level about how we can assist them,” he stated.
Guest speakers Raymund Mirabueno and Allan Noel S. Bernales

highlighted the importance of social media platforms in marketing and discussed marketable cattle breeds in the region, such as the Brahman-based bloodline.


The seminar-workshop provided a venue to navigate challenges such as changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and increased global competition, emphasizing social media’s role in the long-term success of the beef cattle industry.


Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) Market Specialist I Mariflor A. Balabat outlined key market destinations for large animals in Mindanao between September and November 2024, including Agusan del Sur with 426 heads, Davao del Sur with 195 heads, and Davao del Norte with 112 heads.


Livestock focal person Jamaica L. Docdoc presented the livestock growth rate by production volume, noting that Northern Mindanao was the top cattle-producing region in the second quarter of 2024, generating 10,635.8 metric tons, which contributed 17.4 percent to the national total.
The consolidated data from the seminar will be submitted to the DA Office of the Assistant Secretary to serve as a reference for a multi-year plan and future guidelines and policies to support the livestock industry.


The event was attended by representatives from the DA Office of the Assistant Secretary, the National Livestock Program Directorate, the Provincial Veterinary Office of Bukidnon, the Local Government of Manolo Fortich, large ruminant commercial raisers, and beneficiaries of the Artificial Insemination Program. (MAC)

87 NPA Rebels Surrender in Bukidnon

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SAN FERNANDO, Bukidnon (January 27, 2025) — Eighty-seven members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 89th Infantry Battalion (89IB) in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte, on Friday

Lt. Col. Antonio Bulao, commander of the 89IB, introduced the former rebels and presented 17 firearms they surrendered during a ceremony in Barangay Nacabuklad, San Fernando. The group includes 54 regular NPA members, 29 Militiang Bayan members, and four mass supporters from the NPA’s Sub-Regional Committee 2 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (SRC 2, NCMRC).

Each of the 87 former rebels received ₱10,000 as immediate cash assistance, along with individual identification cards.

Datu Jimboy Mandagit, also known as Waway and a former high-ranking NPA member, encouraged his former comrades to surrender and take advantage of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip) and amnesty offerings.

“I extend my gratitude to the Army for providing a wonderful opportunity for those of us who were victims of a false communist doctrine and became insurgents,” Mandagit stated in the local vernacular. “I urge the rest of our comrades to surrender because the government is always ready to help us,” he added.

The ceremony was witnessed by Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores, MGen. Allan Hambala, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, BGen. Marion Angcao, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, Municipal Mayor Rogelio Yeke, and other local officials.

In his message, Hambala assured the returning rebels of government support to help them start new lives. Yeke also promised to deliver projects aimed at improving farm-to-market roads and education for families in remote villages.

Flores expressed his gratitude and support for the former rebels’ return to the fold of the law. (The Manila Times)