Monday, November 18, 2024

Category: News

New NorMin police chief to focus on community engagement

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Police Brig. Gen. Ricardo Layug Jr., the new Police Regional Office-10 (Northern Mindanao) chief, wants to focus on community engagement to improve police service and their campaign against criminality

He bared his plans in his inaugural speech during the turnover of command ceremony between him and the outgoing director Police Brig. Gen. Lawrence Coop at the PRO-10 headquarters in Camp Alagar, Barangay Lapasan, this city, on Tuesday, October 10.

Layug urged the police to continue building collaboration and dialogues with different stakeholders, emphasizing that the Philippine National Police (PNP) should not undermine the community’s contribution, especially in its fight against illegal drugs.

“Let us take time to step and set down with the people for us to listen to what they can share and what we can do together,” Layug said.

Community engagement is one of the five focused agendas of PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., along with personnel morale and welfare, integrity enhancement, information and communications technology development, and honest law enforcement operations.

Police officers and personnel were also reminded of the basics of public service – good manners and proper performance of duty with utmost respect and discipline – as Layug wanted all complainants and respondents who visit every police station in the region to smile because of exemplary police service.

Layug was appointed on October 2 by Acorda, who also served as Northern Mindanao police chief. PRO-10 covers the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, and the two highly urbanized cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

Prior to his appointment, Layug, a licensed civil engineer, served as the chief of the PNP Engineering Service. He was a former chief of the PNP-Aviation Security Unit in the National Capital Region during the height of the bullet-planting controversy at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Layug is a member of the PNP Academy Tagapaglunsad Class of 1993.

Coop, on the other hand, asked the Northern Mindanao police to offer Layug the same support, loyalty, and dedication they showed during his leadership.

“I have full faith that the legacy of professionalism, commitment, and dedication we have built together will endure under the leadership of my successor, Police Brig. Gen. Ricardo Gonzales Layug Jr.,” Coop, who will retire on October 29, said in his message.

Under Coop who had served since August 2022, 8,305 crime incidents were recorded in the region, down 7.22 percent or 695 incidents compared to the previous year. The PRO-10 also had 96 drug-cleared barangays in the region, bringing the total to 1,462.

Coop cited a recent survey conducted by the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines and the Mindanao Development Authority, showing that 91 percent of respondents trust the police, 92 percent respect, 89 percent feel safe, and 93 percent are satisfied.

When asked if there is a reshuffling of police officers after his assumption, Layug said he did not bring any police officer with him, saying that there are always excellent policemen wherever he goes.

After the turnover of the command ceremony, Layug conducted a command conference together with all city and provincial police directors in the region, who shared their briefing presentations to enable him to have a “bird’s eye view” of the peculiarities of their areas. (Franck Dick Rosete/Manila Bulletin)

DA-NorMin holds annual R4D review

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MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), through its Research Division, spearheaded the agency’s Research for Development (R4D) Review on October 2-3 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan

Evaluators from the Northern Mindanao Research Development and Extension Network (NOMIRDEN) member agencies reviewed the 12 presented research studies/projects, comprising 10 completed and two ongoing.

The annual R4D review mainly aims to evaluate the methodology used in research projects, the attainment of objectives, and the generation of comments and suggestions to the identified challenges affecting research project adoption.

The proposed research projects include crops, developmental research, integrated farming systems, pest and nutrient management, value-added products development, adaptability yield trials, technology adoption, and other fields of studies concerning the agriculture sector.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado extended his gratitude to the evaluators for their time and effort in helping the agency’s research initiative be approved until submission to the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) based on the evaluations.

“DA management is fully supportive of our research initiatives, and hopefully, all of these proposals will contribute to an empowered research and development system, which will lead to expanded economic opportunities for those who engage in agriculture and fisheries, particularly small and subsistence farmers and fisherfolk,” he said.

Dir. Collado challenged the researchers to transfer the products of technology down to the farmers’ level and hoped that the personnel could identify success stories from their studies.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga shared the significance of generating scientific findings and their relevance to the mandates and thrust of DA, which is food security.

“As One DA, we will invite other Regional Management Committee (RMC) members to present for the next research review so that we can really have that One DA system,” she conveyed.

Closing the activity is the awarding of the best research papers, of which Maridith A. Flores, Senior Science Research Specialist of DA-10 Research division, won first place for her study, “Market-driven Varietal Testing and Validation for Effective Positioning of Varieties in Target Rice Ecosystems and Seed Chains in Region 10.”

Placing second and third were Berly F. Tatoy, PhD, Research Center for Hilly Land Development chief for her study, “Surveillance, Monitoring and Management of Arthropods and Diseases of Corn in Mindanao,” and Carmelito R. Lapoot, NMACLRC chief for the “Soil Health Management for Sustained Yield of Cassava”, respectively.

The three best research paper awardees will advance for presentation and competition to this year’s regional research symposium annually conducted by the Northern Mindanao Consortium on Agriculture, Aquaculture Research and Development (NOMCAARD).

The panel of Evaluators were Elmer E. Enicola of the Institute of Plant Breeding – University of the Philippines – Los Baños (IPB-UPLB); Floro V. Dalapag of the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC); Mercedita G. Barbarona and Lydia E. Tiongco of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); Maria Estella B. Detalla, PhD and Lowella R. Angcos, PhD of the Central Mindanao University (CMU); and Ma. Estrella Luz Penaloza of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

DA-10 RTD for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca supported the activity with the Research Division and its research stations. (DA RFO-10)

Agri-10 to explore buckwheat production in its research stations

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MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10), headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, is set to explore the conduct of on-site trials for buckwheat production in its research centers

After Carmen Sunrise Exporters, Inc. (CSEI), led by its company manager, Mr. Tetsuji Yukawa, sought help from the agency, they targeted to venture into buckwheat production somewhere in Bukidnon province successfully.

On October 3 at DA’s Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan here, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga cited that given that buckwheat is an exploratory crop in Region 10, she shared her insights on the adoption of growing buckwheat and the challenges that potentially come along with it.

“We are suggesting that we conduct trials here [NMACLRC] so that we will know the technology and establish our data that is suitable for buckwheat production before we commercialize or disseminate it to the farmers,” RTD Madriaga conveyed with the Research Division taking the lead under the wing of RTD for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca.

Besides the conduct of experimental trials at NMACLRC, which has an elevation of 800-1,000 meters (m) above sea level (asl), the agri official added that the same activity can also be done at DA’s Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) in Barongcot, Bukidnon with 300-600m asl.

As agreed, Dir. Collado emphasized that the company must submit a Letter of Intent and enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DA before the trial.

This includes the private company providing planting materials such as seeds and other necessary support for establishing on-site trials depending on its scope.

Furthermore, the assistant director urged CSEI to identify farmers’ cooperatives associations (FCAs) to source out buckwheat harvest from them easily and for said groups to also possibly gain access to some big-ticket interventions from DA-10, such as the provision of machinery and equipment needed in their production, postharvest, and other operations.

CSEI currently works under the umbrella of Japanese firms Starlanes, Corp. and Diamond Star, Corp. with affiliated companies in Hawaii, the USA, Australia, and Thailand.

It primarily processes and exports fresh Philippine agricultural products, specifically Mango, Papaya, Cardava/Saba-Banana, Balangon-Banana, Pineapple, and Durian.

Also present during the meeting are DA-10 Research Division chief Lorena V. Duna, RCUD chief Catalino S. Soriano, Jr., NMACLRC chief Carmelito R. Lapoot; and CSEI Purchasing and Packing Supervisor Antoinette Quino Gallarde and Assistant Operations Manager Mark Angelo L. Catungal. (DA RFO-10)

DTI urges students to showcase artistic flair in celebrating 2023 CWM

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MALAYBALAY CITY – In a bid to harness the creative prowess of college students and promote sustainable living, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Bukidnon has unveiled an exciting E-Poster Making Contest, coinciding with the celebration of 2023 Consumers Welfare Month (CWM)

The “GenS: Generation Sustainable” theme encapsulates the essence of the contest, inviting young artists to use their talents as a vehicle to advocate a more sustainable future.

Junar B. Merla, Chief of DTI-Bukidnon’s Consumer Protection Division, unveiled various activities in observance of Consumer Welfare Month during the press conference on October 2.

“This E-Poster Contest is a platform for budding artists to showcase their talents and a call to action for the younger generation to engage in ‘sustainability’ advocacy,” he said.

The contest is open to all college students by encouraging participants to harness their artistic energy to create a captivating digital poster. With the flexibility of using any software, students have the opportunity and freedom to express their unique perspectives on sustainability.

Each participant is limited to a single entry, challenging them to unleash their best work. The aspect ratio requirement of 18 x 24 inches ensures a visually cohesive presentation, creating a level playing field for all submissions.

Entries should adhere to the theme and prioritize originality, encouraging participants to think outside the box as they strive to convey a powerful message.

Output must be submitted by October 13, 2023, to [email protected] ema il address.

DTI will feature the selected entries on its diverse information-sharing platforms, including social media, for widespread recognition.

Judges will evaluate entries based on three criteria: Originality-30%; Relevance to the theme-40%; and Aesthetic appeal-30%.

The top three winners will receive cash prizes and plaques, with the 1st prize receiving P3,000, the 2nd prize P2,000, and the 3rd prize P1,000.

Winners will be announced on October 16, and the grand awarding ceremony will be on October 17, 2023, in Valencia City. (BGE/PIA 10/Bukidnon)

Dalwangan-hosted corn derby eyed to augment farmers’ yield, income

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MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10), helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado in partnership with private seed companies, staged a technology showcasing of promising hybrid corn cultivars in barangay Dalwangan on October 6, in a bid to provide farmers with opportunities to reap higher yield and income

With the apportioned 1.3 hectares at the DA-10’s Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), some 17 hybrid corn varieties from eight seed companies were exhibited, as their entries vie to prevail over the select cultivars in terms of yield, net return and adaptability during the second leg of corn derby field day for this year’s wet season.

Employing their respective planting protocols, Corteva AgriScience featured yellow corn varieties with P3660YHR, P3645YR and P4124YHR as their entries; Bayer Crop Science Philippines (DK8899S, DK8131S), Vigour Seeds Development, Inc. (MAIS SWERTE, MAIZE D30), and Syngenta Philippines, Inc. (NK6505BGT).

Added to the line-up of yellow corn cultivars are Maharlika 315 and Maharlika 44 of RJR Agro-Industrial Enterprises; AH SUPREME 5150 and J505 of Asian Hybrid Seed Technology, Inc.; EVO 9307 of Evo Gene Seeds, Corp.; and H101G and B9909G of BioSeed Research Philippines, Inc.

Two white corn varieties were also demonstrated, namely, Maharlika 8888 and MAISTISA of RJR and Vigour, respectively.

“Your participation [in the corn derby] will not be a futile effort, as this is one of our bases in the procurement of our seeds for next year,” DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga underscored before over a 200-membered mixed crowd of seed company representatives, farmers and agricultural extension workers of Bukidnon province.

For 2024, DA-10’s hybrid yellow corn seeds fund allocation is pegged at PhP144 million for the said province, which includes the areas of the attendees from the towns of Impasug-ong, Baungon, Manolo Fortich, Talakag, Cabanglasan, Lantapan, and the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia.

Based on the crop cut results generated by DA-NMACLRC of the Research Division, the top yielder harvested an average yield of 12.53 metric tons per hectare (mt/ha) with a production cost of PhP59,600.00 and a net return of PhP159,657.50, followed by 10.91 mt/ha amounting to PhP61,110.00 and a net return of PhP129,780.00, and coming in third, 10.62 mt/ha with a production cost of PhP59,635.00 and a net return of PhP126,232.50.

Wherein parameters that were factored in include plant harvested per hectare, number of corn ear rot, average ear and plant height, ear diameter, and length, average weight of seeds at 14% moisture content, shelling recovery, and yield per hectare to determine the performing yellow corn varieties.

Similar agronomic characteristics and yield components were also used for the white corn variety entries, ranking first with 9.01 mt/ha with a production cost of PhP57,435.00 and a net return of PhP100,310.00, and trailing behind is 7.04 mt/ha costing PhP41,790.00 with a net return of PhP81,410.00.

Recognizing that the conduct of corn derbies remains relevant to DA’s thrust of attaining food security and self-sufficiency, RTD Madriaga also urged the participants to serve as the agri department’s ambassadors and ambassadresses on the ground, as they have seen the actual performance of the latest available hybrid corn varieties of different seed companies.

“Share your learnings and experiences na nakuha ninyo diri karon aron daghan mabulahan sa maong impormasyon ug kini mapaambit sa uban,” the assistant director added.

Meanwhile, Justin R. Ferrer, Barangay Agricultural Technician Managing Agricultural Networks of the Municipal Agriculture’s Office of Manolo Fortich, pins his hopes that the learnings and exposure of the farmers he assisted were reinforced, especially so that almost 30 of them completed the Farmers’ Field School in Corn Production in barangay Minsuro just a few days ago.

“Nanghinaot ko nga kining pag anhi nila magamit gyud nila, ilabina sa pagpili sa unsay angay nilang paliton nga binhi ug ma-apply pod nila kung unsa ilang nakat-unan nga technology diri [sa corn derby] sa ilang pagpanguma,” Ferrer remarked.

PSA data for hybrid corn production in Bukidnon for the year 2022 stands at 842,207.04 metric tons from 174,326.62 hectares of area harvested.

Jointly implemented by the Operations and Research divisions, the corn derby field day was also supported by Research Division chief Lorena V. Duna, NMACLRC chief Carmelito R. Lapoot, Provincial Operations Chief for Bukidnon Janet D. Lopez, DVM, Research Center for Hillyland Development Berly F. Tatoy, PhD, Regional Corn Program focal person Richan D. Lacanaria and other DA-10 staff. (DA RFO-10)

Agri-10 links San Mig Foods, Inc.-Visayas, farmers’ coops for mkt of corn, cassava

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In its pursuit of providing them with a direct and additional market for their produce at reasonable prices, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) recently linked San Miguel Foods, Inc. (SMFI)-Visayas to the different cassava- and corn-producing farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) from Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon provinces, and from the city here

In a brief meeting held at the agency compound, the SMFI-Visayas team led by Eduardo Co, logistics in-charge, bared that their company eyes to tap FCAs in Region 10 to augment the volume of their existing shipments and also maximize their operations, from CdeO City to Cebu City.

Having an audience with the invited 11 FCAs, Co emphasized that it is also their company’s manifestation that they join in the agri department’s bid to help boost farmers’ incomes and the quality of their lives; thus, also hearing out the challenges they have encountered on the ground.

In response, Carlene C. Collado, DA-10 regional executive director underscored that the FCAs should consider tapping said company, as they can deal with them; thereby, cutting the trading layers when marketing their corn and cassava harvest.

Likewise, he assured that the agency will continue to provide the needed support for the FCAs such as the provision of seeds, fertilizers, farm tractors, postharvest facilities, and capitalization, among others, to empower their groups and enable them to forge a long-term business partnership with SMFI-Visayas.

Further, the agri official highlighted the submission of the FCAs’ respective letters of intent, as the top priority in requesting assistance from DA, as validation on-site will then follow. (DA RFO-10)

Spike in fever cases in NorMin not linked to Nipah

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Officials of the Department of Health in Northern Mindanao (DOH-10) on September 27 said the spike in fever cases in the region is not linked to the Nipah virus

DOH-10 director Dr. Ellenietta Gamolo said from Jan. 1 to Sept. 26 this year, a total of 18,364 cases were reported, as compared to 12,996 cases in the same period in 2022.

Gamolo, however, maintained that these cases of fever are not in any way linked to the Nipah virus.

“There are no laboratory results confirming cases of Nipah in the country and here in the region,” she said in a press briefing here.

Gamolo said the fever cases, considered as influenza-like illnesses (ILI), share similar signs and symptoms with other viral infections.

She also said such cases of ILI may be attributed to ordinary flu or coronavirus disease 2019.

Meanwhile, Dr. Stephanie Grace Zamora, DOH-10 senior medical officer, said they would recommend schools in this city to have their students experiencing ILI be tested.

“The easiest would be testing through antigen tests,” she said.

Earlier this week, several schools in the city announced that they would be reverting to online classes due to a spike in fever cases among their students.

In another development, Mayor Rolando Uy on Wednesday issued a new order reimposing the observance of the minimum health protocols in public places and transportation. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

Illegal drugs, firearms top violations in NorMin end of September

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Illegal drugs and unlicensed firearms were the top arrests at the end of September, the Police Regional Office in Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) reported on October 2

Brig. Gen. Lawrence Coop, PRO-10 director, said the Simultaneous Anti-Criminality and Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO) focused on various key areas of criminality, including the campaign against illegal drugs, and loose firearms. 

“The success of this operation serves as a clear message that the police, along with the support of the community and other agencies, will continue to prioritize public safety and combat criminal activities relentlessly,” Coop said in the report.

The PRO-10 report said the region-wide SACLEO netted 63 suspects, eight of whom belong to the list of most wanted persons.

Likewise, PRO-10 field units carried out 14 buy-bust operations, resulting in the seizure of illegal drugs worth PHP157,000.

Six suspects were caught carrying illegal firearms including several drug suspects.

Meanwhile, a 59-year-old male was arrested in Salay, Misamis Oriental, for violating Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, for carrying a shotgun.

His arrest was a result of the gun ban imposed by the Commission on Election in preparation for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan on Oct. 30. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

DA-10 awards YFC Upscale regional winners

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – After the business pitching and thorough evaluation of the entries for the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Upscale, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10, through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, declared the top three winners for Northern Mindanao

These include Erbyl Kent C. Pelongco from Valencia City, Bukidnon with his 7K’s Food Products agri-enterprise which focuses on banana chips processing; Maydene V. Demesana from CdeO City with her diversified farm producing various high-valued vegetables; and Johnny Ray G. Salinana from Kadingilan, Bukidnon with his agri-enterprise called Bahalinana which processes coconut vinegar, among others.

Each winner will receive a P300K grant which will be used for their respective businesses’ expansion and enhancement.

Pelongco, who garnered the highest score with an average of 96.07% and will represent Region 10 in the National YFC Upscale, is grateful for the result of the challenge.

“I am very thankful for this grant because we are planning to do major renovations in our processing area for us to be accredited by the Food and Drugs Administration. When that happens, more opportunities will surely open for 7K’s Food Products, more job opportunities for our community.” Pelongco said.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado congratulated the winners of the challenge and thanked them for grabbing the opportunity for the improvement of their ventures.

“You are lucky that nowadays, grants like this are offered by DA. You just need to have the determination, passion, and patience to face all the challenges for your business to be successful. I hope that with the grant given, this will help you in your respective ventures,” Dir. Collado added.

YFC Upscale is a head-to-head competition of the previous YFC awardees from 2021-2022, which aims to improve and expand their current business operations, including upgrading equipment and assets, creating new product lines, and improving marketing efforts, among others.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, Department of Trade and Industry – 10 Supervising Trade and Development Specialist Loraine C. Brillantes, and Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council – 10 Chairperson Nilda B. Salas served as the judges during the Business Pitching. (DA RFO-10)

PSPME holds consultations for children with endocrine disorders

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The Philippine Society of Pediatric Metabolism & Endocrinology (PSPME), in collaboration with the Malaybalay City Health Office (CHO) and the Department of Health – Northern Mindanao (DOH-CHDNM), hosted a consultation event on September 28, 2023, at Loiza’s Pavilion, Malaybalay City

The event aimed to provide essential follow-up care for children diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Distinguished members of the Philippine Society of Pediatric Metabolism & Endocrinology (PSPME) leading the event included Dr. Jedeabe Aragon and Dr. Maria Luisa Malabuyoc, both renowned experts in pediatric endocrinology. Additionally, healthcare professionals from Newborn Screening Continuity Clinics (NMMC and BPMC), including Dr. Rhona Ortencio-Ocho and Udall Armand Cabading from NMMC, and Dr. Aileen Dubrigue and Ian Roy Lapinid from BPMC, contributed their expertise. Dr. Miguel Antonio Prantilla, Chief of the Hospital at BPMC, and Dr. Melodee Aguirre, Pediatric Department Head at BPMC, were also in attendance.

Dr. Melirose Deticio, CHO-I and Medical Coordinator for Newborn Screening, along with dedicated CHO midwives and representatives from Human Resources for Health (HRH), played a crucial role in organizing the event. Kharl Karen Libot, the Nurse Coordinator for Newborn Screening, also ensured the smooth execution of the consultation.

Upon arrival, the children and their parents underwent registration and had their anthropometric measurements taken to monitor their growth and development.

Dr. Maria Luisa Malabuyoc delivered a lecture on endocrine disorders, providing valuable insights and guidance to the attendees.

The heart of the event revolved around consultations with 18 children diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Of these, 16 hailed from Malaybalay City, while 2 were from Valencia City. These one-on-one consultations allowed for personalized care plans and addressing the specific needs of each child.

As part of the commitment to the well-being of these children, free levothyroxine medications were distributed, ensuring that they receive the necessary treatment to manage their conditions effectively.

The event represents a significant step in providing continued care and support to these young patients, ultimately contributing to their better quality of life. (LGU Malaybalay)