Friday, March 31, 2023

Category: News

Police expects surge in applicants due to new height rule

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (29 May 2021) – The Police Regional Office (PRO) 10 (Northern Mindanao) expects an increase in applicants in the next recruitment process after the passage of a law decreasing the minimum height requirement for police officers, an official said on May 29.

Lt. Col. Michelle Olaivar, PRO-10 spokesperson, issued the statement after President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act (RA) 11549, which amended sections of three separate laws setting the general and standard qualifications for members of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

“This means that many aspiring police officers would apply. With this, we expect an increase in the number of applicants for the next recruitment processing,” she said.

The newly enacted law sets the minimum height requirement of 5 feet and 2 inches for male applicants, down from 5 feet and 4 inches, and 5 feet for female applicants, down from 5 feet and 2 inches.

Olaivar said a police officer “isn’t measured” by height but “through the service rendered to the people.”

She said the PRO-10 headquarters in Camp Alagar here has begun accepting applicants.

“The processing started last Monday (May 24), and we expect that this batch will take an oath by July and September,” Olaivar said.

She said the current batch comprises 736 total applicants.

Whether the new height requirement would apply to the current batch, Olaivar said this would depend on the instruction from the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

“We will wait for the instruction from Napolcom because it’s still starting. We are still in BMI (Body Mass Index) right now, and that already includes the height,” she said.

Bukidnon hits 503 active COVID-19 cases

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MALAYBALAY CITY (BukidnonNews.Net /24 May 2021) – Bukidnon hit a record high of 503 active COVID-19 cases as of May 24, 2021, based on the COVID-19 Dashboard of the Provincial Health Office, grabbed as of 5 a.m. today.

The PHO noted that the province had total confirmed cases of 3,700 with 3,136 recoveries and 61 deaths. The latest dashboard also indicated a total of 1,592 suspected cases with 10 ongoing quarantine procedures, and seven probable cases.

Valencia City has the highest number of active cases with 151, based on the dashboard.
They have accounted for a total of 15 persons who died due to COVID-19 with 820 recoveries.

Manolo Fortich town ranked second with 79 active cases, with 11 deaths and 685 recoveries. Libona town came in third with a total number of 64 active cases with three deaths and 118 recoveries. Both Manolo Fortich and Libona towns are on Bukidnon’s border with Cagayan de Oro City, which has a recent surge of cases.

Malaybalay City has the fourth-highest number of active cases with 45. It has accounted for 12 deaths and 517 recoveries.

Maramag came in fifth with 30 active cases, while Baungon and Talakag, both on the northern border with CDOC, have 27 and 25 active cases, respectively.

In terms of new confirmed cases, Northern Mindanao has 245 new cases as of May 23, 2021.

According to the COVID-19 Briefer no. 471 of the DOH CHDNM RESDRU, with 241 local cases. The breakdown goes: Bukidnon, 86; Camiguin, 1; Lanao del Norte,3; Misamis Occidental, 7; Misamis Oriental, 28; Cagayan de Oro City, 100; and Iligan City, 16 confirmed new cases.

Bukidnon mayor alarmed over rising COVID cases

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DAVAO CITY (21 May 2021) – The mayor of Valencia City, Bukidnon has expressed alarm over the rising number of COVID-19 cases in her area.

“Ang atong dakbayan sa Valencia nag atubang og paspas nga pagsaka sa COVID-19 (Our city is facing a rapid increase of COVID-19 cases),” Valencia City Mayor Azucena Huervas said in a statement.

Huervas said from May 1 to May 19, the city recorded 180 additional cases of COVID-19 and six fatalities.

“Niadtong Mayo 14, adunay kwarenta’y dos (42) ka mga bag-o nga positibo, ang pinakataas natong natala sa usa ka adlaw (Last May 14, we recorded 42 new positive cases, the highest number recorded in one day),” she said.

Data from the Department of Health (DOH) Region 10 said Valencia City has recorded 933 COVID-19 cases with 137 active as of May 20.

One fatality was recorded Thursday, bringing the total number of deaths to 21. On the other hand, 775 recoveries have been recorded.

Huervas said the city’s isolation facility is now in full capacity with almost 200 individuals daily. “Ang atong mga doctor, nurses, contact tracers og frontliners sa Command Center, halos wala nay pahulay sa pagmonitor sa atong mga bagong kaso og sa mga close contacts ingon man ang pag enporsar sa mga lockdowns og disinfection (Our doctors, nurses, contact tracers, and frontliners in the Command Center barely get rest to monitor the new cases, close contacts, and impose lockdowns and disinfections),” she added.

Huervas noted that several frontliners have been infected with the virus and are being treated in hospitals, including city Vice Mayor and Incident Commander Dr. Pol Murillo.

She encouraged the residents to cooperate with the authorities in observing health protocols and in avoiding mass gatherings.

Meanwhile, the DOH Davao Center for Health Development recorded 172 new COVID-19 cases Thursday.

DOH data shows that 104 of these cases were recorded in Davao City, 28 in Davao del Norte, 26 in Davao de Oro, seven in Davao Oriental, four in Davao del Sur, and three in Davao Occidental.

One death was recorded in Davao City, bringing the total number of fatalities due to COVID-19 in the region to 1,044. Davao City has logged 721 fatalities.

Twenty-seven new recoveries were recorded – 24 from Davao City and three from Davao de Oro.

Andanar: TF-ELCAC’s ‘homebuilding’ fosters peace, empowers communities

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MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, (May 23 /PIA) – Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin M. Andanar said “we need a home to keep the peace, just as we need peace to keep a home.”

Andanar highlighted the importance of the whole-of-nation approach in peacebuilding, through Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC), as Cabanglasan town signals the start of the construction of its P20-million housing project for indigenous peoples (IPs) in groundbreaking rites on May 21 at Brgy. Poblacion.

The National Housing Authority’s blueprint for the “NHA-Cabanglasan IP Village” resettlement project shows 80 housing units of a “two-story single-detached design” costing P250,000 per unit covering more than 10 hectares to house needy IP families of the Umayamnon and Higaonon tribes living in geographically remote and deprived areas, including riverbank IP dwellers.

Andanar cited in a video message to the beneficiaries and other peace advocates, in “Bisaya” dialect, that unity and cooperation between and among the people, local government unit, and national government agencies led to the realization of the said housing project.

“They [IPs] deserve decent homes. They were among those affected by the unrest caused by terrorist groups. They were the first victims of harassment. Some have even sacrificed lives to protect their tribes and families. Despite the richness of their culture and abundance of natural resources, living peacefully remains a challenge for them,” he said.

The Secretary, as Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security for Northern Mindanao (CORDS X), emphasized that coordinating peacebuilding and development activities would ensure that communities continue to prosper.

Cabanglasan town Mayor Renante V. Inocando, visibly pleased to be included in the list of priority program beneficiaries thanked NHA and the CORDS X for sincerely fortifying the local government’s toil to make IP aspirations a reality, reiterating that this housing project is one of the government’s vows during the Convergence Areas for Peace and Development (CAPDev) launching on June 28, 2019.

CAPDev is a program that aims to address the root causes of insurgencies, internal disturbances and tensions, and other armed conflicts and threats.

“I am most gratified with the government agencies and Secretary Andanar’s support for Cabanglasan municipality. The Umayamnon and Higaonon tribes had a dream. And now I join them in thanking the government for making their dream a reality. We in the local government will continue to share the same hopes and dreams in order to achieve lasting peace,” the mayor said.

41 FRs complete Adlai enterprise dev’t seminar

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CAMP OSITO D. BAHIAN, Malaybalay City — A total of 41 Former Rebels (FRs) have successfully finished the Adlai Enterprise Development Seminar held at Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Center (NMACLRC), Brgy. Dalwangan, this city on May 19, the military said in a statement.

In a press statement, Lt. Col. Jennan E. Montealto, civil-military Operations Officer of the 403rd Brigade said the seminar was realized in partnership with the 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade and the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional office 10.

He said the activity aims to provide livelihood training as part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for FRs for their livelihood and sustainment because of its promising potential as a source of income due to its lucrative price ranging from ₱250.00 to ₱275.00/kilogram. The Hineleban Foundation sells it for ₱350.00 to ₱400.00/kilogram.

Adlai is a tall-grain-bearing tropical plant from Poaceae (grass family), same as wheat, corn, and rice abundantly growing in the country and is being cultivated as a staple food. It has been eyed as an alternative crop for rice and corn due to its health benefits as anti-allergic, anti-mutagenic, hypolipemic, anti-diabetic effects, and exhibits anti-cancer properties.

“Pagsulod namo dire, wala kami nakahibalo kung unsa ning Adlai nga tanom pero nakadungog nami ani. Karun pagkahuman sa amoang seminar, dako ang akong kalipay kay naa mi nakita nga paglaum sa pag-uma labaw na aning Adlai. Malipayon na ang akong pamilya tungod ani ug dako ang maikatabang namo ani sa komunidad” said Dado Gabaw, a former rebel.

Ms. Lorena Duna, Supervising Science Research Specialist, Mr. Carmelito R Lapoot, the Chief, and Mr. Nilo C. Panugaling Jr., Research Assistant of NMACLRC graced the activity. Mr. Jose D Maureal Sr. of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also witnessed the activity.

Brig. Gen. Ferdinand T Barandon, commander of 403rd Peacemaker Brigade expressed his appreciation to NMACLRC and DTI for the said endeavor.

“We feel honored to be part of this program where different agencies are sincerely doing their best to provide appropriate and necessary interventions accorded to our FRs. With this opportunity, it will be a lifetime gain for them. We are looking forward to other former rebels being given opportunities for this kind of seminar,” the general said.

PGB eyes to release AIFCS program via reloadable e-money card

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MALAYBALAY CITY (19 May 2021) – The Provincial Government of Bukidnon (PGB) is eyeing to release the Aid to Individual/Families in Crisis Situation (AIFCS) program through reloadable e-money card.

Mr. Hansel T. Echavez, supervising administrative officer of the Public Affairs, Information, and Assistance (PAIA) Division of the office of the Governor on May 19 said Gov. Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr. appeared at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) regular session on April 27 and availed the privilege hour.

He said the Governor personally requested the SP to pass a resolution requesting the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) to approve and expand the reloadable e-money card in the province of Bukidnon to be used for the provision of financial assistance to the poorest strata of society.

“The SP had passed a resolution for the purpose. The ball now is at the management of the LBP. We are hoping for the positive response of LBP management soon,” Echavez said.

He said beneficiaries can still get cash aid without going to the Capitol physically through reloadable e-money cards.

The PGB has suspended anew after thousands of individuals flocked to the Capitol asking for AIFCS in one of the “People’s Day” sometime in April ignoring the risk of Covid-19.

The PAIA said in the database from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, nearly 30,000 families across the province are the poorest among the poor in Bukidnon. The handing over of financial aid takes place once every three months or four times a year, this is also to allow handing over the aid to others in need.

Echavez said the reloadable e-money card is a big help in handing out aid to the beneficiaries while we are still facing the Covid-19 pandemic.

PGB releases P195.2M corn seeds to 55,855 corn farmers

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MALAYBALAY CITY (May 19) – The Provincial Government of Bukidnon (PGB) has distributed P195,213,225.00 total worth of hybrid corn seeds to marginal farmers in the province’s 20 towns and two cities for this year.

Each of 55,855 identified beneficiaries tilting a hectare of corn farm have received one (1) bag of nine (9) kilo hybrid yellow corn seeds.

They are also entitled to receive on the same time two bags of complete fertilizer but were delayed due to failure of bidding.

The PGB headed by Gov. Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr. has started the distribution of corn seeds on May 5.

Just on May 19, the 3,732 beneficiaries in Malaybalay City have also received their seeds subsidy worth P13, 043,340.

Mr. Hansel T. Echavez, supervising administrative officer of the Public Affairs, Information, and Assistance (PAIA) Division of the Governor’s Office said Asian Hybrid Seeds and Technology based in Aglayan, Malaybalay City is the winning bidder for the corn seeds subsidy.

Based on the record, each bag of corn seeds is worth P3, 945.

Echavez said possibly the fertilizer subsidy will be distributed to the identified beneficiaries next week.

“Apart from the corn seed subsidy is the two sacks complete fertilizer subsidy to the said corn farmers. But due to failure of bidding, a negotiated purchase has been initiated. Hopefully, it will be delivered and distributed next week,” Echavez said.

The PGB has allocated a total of P116, 736,950.00 for the complete fertilizer subsidy at P1,045 per bag.

Earlier, Gov. Zubiri identified the corn seeds and fertilizer subsidy as one of his flagship programs aim to uplift poor corn farmers from poverty.

In totality, the PGB has allocated 311,950,175.00 for the corn seeds and fertilizer subsidy program this year.

Vice Mayor of Valencia contracts Covid-19

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MALAYBALAY CITY (May 19) – Valencia City Vice Mayor Policarpo P. Murillo IV tested positive for Covid-19, the city’s spokesperson said.

Mr. Samuel Langub, public information officer of Valencia City on May 19 said Dr. Murillo is confined at Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center (BPMC) in Malaybalay since last week.

He said the Vice Mayor is symptomatic with severe disease category.

“The confirmation from the Department of Health (DOH) was released on May 12,” Langub said.

He confirmed that the vice Mayor has already received his first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

But he said there was no guarantee that Dr. Murillo will not be contracted with the virus considering that he was not fully vaccinated.

Dr. Murillo was designated as the incident commander of the Emergency Operations and Command Center (EOCC) of Valencia City.

As of May 19, Valencia has 925 confirmed cases with 757 recoveries, 148 active cases, and 20 deaths.

DA commits P8-M project to help Talakag coffee farmers

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (May 15) – The Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) has pledged a Coffee Community-Based Development Enterprise worth P8 million to MILALITTRA, Inc. in order to boost the region’s coffee industry.

MILALITTRA, which stands for Miarayon-Lapok-Lirongan-Tinaytayan-Talaandig Tribal Association, is made up of coffee farmers from about 2,500 household members from various villages of Talakag town in Bukidnon province.

“This project is funded under the High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) of DA-RFO 10 that aims to provide production and postharvest support services for coffee and cacao farmers,” said the program coordinator Kersten S. Pagalan.

She added that included in the package of interventions is the provision of hauling truck, processing equipment, facility, training, planting materials, and nursery establishment.
MILALITTRA president Joannah P. Dumaquita who represented Datu Dungkuan ‘Rio’ Besto, indicated that DA’s project funding would greatly help them with their more than 11 hectares of coffee plantation, as well as in expanding their business with the slated training.

Dumaquita also reported that the association bagged the award for the 2019 Philippine Coffee Quality Competition for Arabica category.

She asserted that with DA’s assistance they will be able to modernize their equipment and facilities in order to preserve and maintain the quality of coffee beans, particularly green coffee beans that are still raw and have not yet been roasted while stored.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga handed over the Certificate of Commitment on behalf of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado.

City IATF: Clearance needed before stores can hold promo sales

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MALAYBALAY CITY (BukidnonNews.Net/14 May 2021) – Clearance from the City Inter-Agency Task Force is needed before any establishment can proceed with promo sales or similar activities, an official said.

Arlene L. Cabigas, City Tourism Officer and information officer of the Incident Management Team (IMT) of the City IATF told RMN Malaybalay on May 13 that establishments need to obtain clearance so they can be aided in maintaining social distancing, and other minimum health requirements.

Cabigas spoke on the issue following an incident on May 12 when they reprimanded a local business establishment after they were reported to have violated the social distancing requirement. The sale drew hundreds of shoppers along the sidewalk of a portion of Fortich Street, where the store is located.

“May the incident serve as a lesson for other establishments,” Cabigas said in the radio interview.

She said concerned establishments have to write to the City IATF via the IMT if they plan to hold a similar big or small event. The City Tourism Office will check the carrying capacity of the event organizer and endorse the IMT for inspection and briefing. The IMT will be the one to recommend to the City IATF chair whether to grant clearance.

Cabigas said it takes at most one day to process the clearance, from receipt of the letter to release of certification.

Clearance is very important, she said, so the establishments will be aided in maintaining social distancing and other health safety protocols to prevent the threats of COVID-19.

She said they received a call about the incident in the midst of the clearance sale and sent the monitoring team to inform the establishment’s management of their violation.

Upon being confronted with the violation, the establishment’s management reportedly sought the help of the monitoring team, including the police. Immediately, entry was limited but the shoppers who were already inside were allowed to continue. They eventually requested the shoppers to vacate the store, after the door was rolled down.

The establishment continued the sale on May 13 with a close watch by the monitoring team. As of May 16, shoppers continue to queue near the store. Cabigas said they may not be able to close an establishment for violation of protocols, as per consultation with the City Legal Office, but they can reprimand and monitor closely.