Monday, November 25, 2024

25 delegates from Mindanao to join international expo in Sabah

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 13 Sept)—A total of 25 delegates from Mindanao and Palawan will join the Sabah International Expo from September 22 to 24 in Malaysia in the hopes of increasing trade exports to countries in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, and official of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said

During the “Wednesdays Media Forum at Habi at Kape,” Anelyn G. Binancillan, Investment Promotion Division development management officer IV, said that delegates would showcase the strength of Mindanao, particularly agricultural and tourism products and services, during the international expo at Sabah International Convention Centre.

She said they hope to generate interest from business counterparts for the various goods offered by companies in Mindanao, which remains a net importer of goods from its neighbors in the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

Binancillan said it has always been their objective to promote Mindanao-produced goods and make them more visible in the markets across Southeast Asia.

“Overall, how are we faring in terms of trade? We are more on imports rather than exports,” she said.

She said among the companies participating in the expo are Hijo Resources, Bioskin Tech Laboratories Inc., Treelife, DusitD2 Davao, and Aleson Shipping, but added that there are more companies from Western Mindanao and Northern Mindanao who are interested to join the delegation.

She said the delegation also includes different government agencies, chambers of commerce from Zamboanga Peninsula, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and Palawan.

Romeo L. Castañaga, assistant regional director of the Department of Trade and Industry-Davao, said that exhibitors from across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Middle East have also been invited to the international expo.

He said around 20 countries will join the expo.

Binancillan added that Mindanao-based companies are expected to hold business-to-business matching sessions with their counterparts.She said that the products that will be exhibited include banana-based products like chips and flour, coco-based products like sugar and other derivatives, chocolate products, abaca bags and home decor, skincare, and tourism packages.

Binancillan said there is a direct sea link being serviced by a passenger vessel of Aleson Shipping from Zamboanga City to Sandakan in Malaysia.

She said they are supporting the move of the autonomous Bangsamoro government to put a cargo vessel along this route to promote trade between these areas since Malaysia is geographically closer to the Zamboanga Peninsula and BARMM. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

Northern Mindanao gears up for 34th NSM celebration

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–Preparations are underway for the 34th National Statistics Month (NSM) celebration in Northern Mindanao

To mark the celebration, the Regional Statistics Committee (RSC)-10 has endorsed a series of regional activities designed to accentuate the importance of data and statistics in enhancing health outcomes.

Dr. Janith Aves, officer-in-charge of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-X, said NSM is celebrated in October of every year to enhance awareness and appreciation of the value and importance of statistics to the different sectors and to elicit the support and cooperation of the public in upgrading the quality and standards of statistics in the country.

This year, NSM bears the theme “Accelerating Progress: Promoting Data and Statistics for Healthy Philippines,” which underlines the use of quality health-related statistics to accelerate development and promote a healthier populace.

Opening the month-long celebration are activities to be spearheaded by the Department of Health-X, which include a motorcade, Zumba, and health forum on October 3. The other activities lined up are a tree-planting activity (October 6), an interagency statistical exhibit contest (October 16-20), an infographics-making contest (October 16-20), and a data appreciation seminar for media and statistics quiz show – media edition (October 13).

All Provincial Statistical Offices of PSA-X will likewise hold the 27th Philippines Statistics Quiz Provincial eliminations on October 19 with participants from Higher Education Institutions in the region.

A dissemination forum on the results of the 2018-2020 Water Flow Accounts and financial health literacy activity will highlight the closing ceremony on October 27 to be hosted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas – Cagayan de Oro Branch.

RSC chairperson and NEDA-X Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño said the lined-up activities will significantly promote the importance of statistics in every sector of society. She also urged RSC member agencies to support the NSM and conduct activities that would enunciate the significance of the celebration. (APB/PIA-10)

P1.89-M cattle feedlot to boost production, quality stocks in NorMin

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To strengthen the production of cattle in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) breaks ground for the construction of the P1.89 million (M) worth cattle feedlot at the agency’s Malaybalay Stock Farm in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said that the facility provides a controlled environment for raised cattle to receive a balanced and nutritionally optimized diet to promote rapid growth and weight gain.

The facility has a total land area of 356.38 square meters with a capacity of 60 heads and is funded under the Livestock Program 2023 headed by its focal person Jamaica L. Docdoc.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga added that the facility aims to improve the operation of the farm and boost the production of quality stocks which will be used for distribution to target beneficiaries regionwide.

Supporting the ceremony were DA-10 RTD for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, Research Division chief Lorena V. Duna, and other of the agency’s personnel. (DA RFO-10)

BJMP celebrates 32nd year, honors top-performing NorMin bureau

MISAMIS ORIENTAL (PIA)–Serving for over three decades, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-10 celebrated its 32nd anniversary on a high note as the jail management received praises from its highest official for their achievements in the past year

The bureau attributes its growth to the dedication and commitment that the men and women of BJMP-10 displayed throughout the years and the kindness and concern that the community partners had extended.

Aside from that, the bureau never ceases to generate various ways and means to improve the delivery of services to their clientele to the best quality they can give.

Such initiatives bear fruits as BJMP 10 becomes one of the top-performing regions nationwide.

“I am speaking before a team of the most hardworking personnel in the country, who, together with their Regional Director, continue to strive to make BJMP Region 10 among the best-performing regions nationwide. The excellence in how you work in Region 10 has been a large part of the overall performance of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology,” BJMP Chief JDIR Ruel S. Rivera said.

BJMP-10 bags several national awards, which include Best Desk Officer of Type-A Jails, Best Paralegal Officer of Type-A Jail, Best Community Relations Service Officer of Type-A Jails, Best Management, Screening and Evaluation Committee Unit of Type-C Jail; Best Escorting Unit Type-C Jail; Best Paralegal Program Implementer; Best ALS Program Implementer; and Best e-Dalaw Program Implementer. In addition to that, Atty. Jeza Mae Sanchez received the National Award as Best Staff Officer of the Year.

The bureau chief also stated that Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. of the Department of the Interior and Local Government acknowledged BJMP-10’s excellent performance.

With the success and achievements gained, BJMP-10 Regional Director Cesar Langawin disclosed that they went through some challenges and would not have been able to reach them without the men and women of the bureau and the constant support of the various stakeholders and government agencies.

“BJMP-10 is committed to offering humane care, safety, and development. We will consistently work to create a positive influence in the lives of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). Furthermore, we ensure that programs for PDLs and their families should be properly implemented, reaching even the remotest jail facilities in the region,” Langawin said. (JAKA/PIA10)

Agri-10 extends mentoring assistance to 2023 Young Farmers Challenge Upscale applicants

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) conducted its mentoring and coaching for applicants of the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) 2023 Upscale Competition on September 13 to 15

Facilitated by the division’s Agribusiness Promotion Section, two agri-fishery enterprises from barangays San Simon and Pagatpat in CdeO City, and three from the municipalities of Impasugong, Kadingilan, and Valencia City in Bukidnon, received mentorship on enterprise implementation and the optimization of resources in response to growing market demands.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said that through the mentoring assistance, the Department works closely with agri-fishery enterprises to build on their existing goals and objectives, and innovate their products and services, aligned with the rationale of the program.

Said enterprises also received suggestions on the necessary refinements to their business plan and pitch deck before the YFC competition proper slated later this year.

The YFC-Upscale Program is an initiative of DA for previous YFC awardees which aims to upscale the operations of their existing agri-fishery enterprise, invest in new technology for product development, and generate employment through the provision of additional capital in the form of competitive financial grant assistance. (DA RFO-10)

OneRicePH held in Valencia

VALENCIA CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Research Division, conducted recently a field day on OneRicePH: Expanded On-farm Technology Demonstration for the wet season, in Barangay Kahapunan

According to PhilRice Central Office representative Pinklet Athen Canilang, OneRicePH is a collaborative project of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), DA, and the local government units (LGUs) to unify rice breeding dissemination strategies that will increase genetic gain and improve grain quality and nutrition.

“The project aims for the development of a product concept for target rice market segments and the establishment of a national breeding network,” she said.

With a total area of 5.1 hectares implemented by co-operators, comprising of a seed grower and three farmers, said techno demos showcased inbred rice varieties such as NSIC Rc 512, NSIC Rc 506, and NSIC Rc 508, which are intended for irrigated lowland ecosystem.

The performance of the said varieties as a result of also employing optimum nutrient management and associated rice cultivation technologies, was witnessed and evaluated by farmer representatives of the different 13 Irrigators’ Associations in the city.

Initially, the results of the participatory varietal selection were presented, yielding higher results compared to the targeted 7.50 tons per hectare.

Maridith A. Flores, senior science research specialist and OneRicePH focal person of DA-10 remarked that the activity also paves the way to showcase the benefits of using recommended rice varieties and their yield potential, streamlining the country’s rice breeding strategies and variety dissemination.

Likewise, supporting the activity are Research Division chief Lorena V. Duna and Provincial Operations Center-Bukidnon chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM of DA-10, Mayor Azucena P. Huervas, City Councilor Rogelio P. Hera, committee on agriculture, and other City LGU Valencia officials and staff. (DA RFO-10

City Vet Hosts Training on Swine Artificial Insemination Course

The City Government of Malaybalay through the City Veterinary Office – Livestock Production Section in partnership with the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute –Region 10 (ATI-R10) hosted the Regional Scale Level of Training on Swine Artificial Insemination and Basic Health and Nutrition, a first of its kind and a first-time in the Philippines to be hosted by an LGU

Training to bolster livestock swine production and to ensure robust regional food security was one of the objectives of the training. It was also conducted to utilize the unmatched capabilities and technical expertise of the Malaybalay City Livestock Production personnel.

The 10-day training which started last September 11, 2023, and will end on September 23, 2023, was held at Veranda Hotel and in Malaybalay City Livestock Production, Breeding and Training Center for the immersion.

Mr. Jeric Cabatac and Ms. Gia Joy Lustero from the ATI-10 facilitated the training together with the personnel from the City Veterinary Office headed by City Veterinarian Dr. Michele C. Miquiabas, Alexis Flores II – the Center Chief, Dr. Omar T. Cahanap, Livestock Production Veterinarian and Phille Rae M. Bonggo, Training Coordinator.

Regional-wide participants came from the agriculture office of the different municipalities of Bukidnon, Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Tangub City, El Salvador City, Tudela, Misamis Occidental, and Cagayan de Oro City. Mr. Johnson Petalcorin and Mr. Alain N. Tubo were the participants from DA- R10 and from DA-Bukidnon respectively.

The Jaya Secret Garden by Jayasree Harsha Bayag of this City was also a learning site for the activity. (LGU Malaybalay

AEWs trained in Hydroponics vegetable production

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – To promote hydroponics among farming communities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado held training for hydroponics vegetable production at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

The training brought together 28 Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from the different municipalities and cities of Bukidnon through DA-10’s Various Production Support Services (VPSS).
According to DA-10 VPSS focal person Marnelly Ann P. Flores, the activity will equip the trainees with the knowledge and skills necessary to establish and manage hydroponic vegetable production and enable them to convey the advantages of the technology to their fellow local farmers.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga expressed her gratitude to the participating AEWs for attending the training, “I am thankful that you are here to learn the technology firsthand, and I hope you’ll use it in some creative way in your endeavor.”

Hydroponics expert Jerwin B. Quiñal, owner of Quiñal Hydroponics Farm and Supplies, shared the principles and concepts of hydroponics technology, Plant Nutrients Solutions, Pest and Disease Management, and other types of hydroponics, among others while also engaging them in a hands-on activity.

Present during the activity are DA-10 Field Operations Division (FOD) chief Eduardo N. Pit, Ph.D., Provincial Operations Center (POC)-Bukidnon chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, and other DA staff. (DA RFO-10)

Swine, poultry production seminar held in Malaybalay

A Swine and Poultry Production seminar was conducted on September 13, 2023, at the Casisang Barangay Hall in Malaybalay City. The activity was organized collaboratively by the City Veterinary Office’s (CVO) Livestock Production Section, the City Agriculture Office, and attended by members of the City Agriculture and Fisheries Council (CAFC)

The seminar featured speakers and experts in their field, including Dr. Omar T. Cahanap, Livestock Veterinarian representing the City Veterinary Office’s Livestock Production Section; Annabel Sia, Livestock Technician from the CVO’s Livestock Production Section; and Chessa C. Bautista, a key representative from the City Agriculture Office.

The event aimed to provide valuable insights and knowledge on swine and poultry production techniques, focusing on various aspects such as breeding, nutrition, disease management, and best practices to enhance livestock yield.

Attendees engaged in discussions sought advice, and exchanged experiences with the partner stakeholders. This collaborative learning environment promoted the dissemination of up-to-date information and strategies in swine and poultry production.

CVO emphasized its commitment to supporting the local livestock industry by organizing events like this. It serves as a platform to foster sustainable practices and contribute to the agricultural growth not just in the city, but of the entire region. (LGU Malaybalay)

Sen. Go visits projects in Damulog, Bukidnon

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go visited five key infrastructure projects in Damulog, Bukidnon, on September 16, 2023

Go visit the five completed projects, namely: the trading post/bagsakan center, which is worth Php1 million; the concreted streets and access roads, worth Php8 million; the solar street lights, worth Php5 million; the evacuation center (e-center), worth Php15 million; and the five-story multi-purpose building, worth Php40 million.

After the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center in Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon, Senator Bong Go went straight to the town of Damulog to visit and inspect the projects he supported for funding as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance.

He first visited the Bagsakan Center, a public market established to provide a centralized location for local farmers and vendors to sell their produce. The senator said that this is a step towards a more stable economy in Damulog. He added that he wants the public market to become a center of trade and opportunity for everyone.

After the market visit, Go then examined a road concreting project that aims to improve the transportation of goods and services and boost economic growth. He also went to the recently built evacuation center (e-center), where he led the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The senator then went throughout the municipality, inspecting the solar street lights that had been installed. It is an initiative of the local government of Damulog in Bukidnon to promote renewable energy and public safety.

For his last stop, Go inspected the five-story multi-purpose building that will serve as a community center and the offices of various government offices.

Damulog Mayor Mel Buro thanked Go for his effort to make these key infrastructure projects possible. Go also met with some local mayors from Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon while he was in Damulog.

In his speech, Go also advised those with health concerns to visit the Malasakit Center located at Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in Maramag and the nearby centers at Northern Mindanao Medical Center and J.R. Borja General Hospital in Cagayan de Oro City.

To date, 159 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country to assist with patients’ medical expenses. He said that of the 40 Malasakit centers in Mindanao, seven are in Northern Mindanao. When asked how many super health centers are planned to be built in Bukidnon, he answered 11.

Sen. Go said that for the years 2022–2023, they plan to build 600 Malasakit centers throughout the country. The super health center is a medium-sized polyclinic that offers a wide range of services, including giving birth, laboratory testing, x-rays, dental care, and minor surgical procedures. (MG Mayumi B. Madera)