Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Category: News

DA, Bukidnon LGUs craft 5-year rice industry dev’t plan

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Sen. Christopher Lawrence”Bong” Go (left) leads the ribbon cutting ceremony of the five-storey multi-purpose building, one of the five new key projects in Damulog, Bukidnon on September 16, 2023. Assisting him is Damulog town Mayor Melino L. Buro. (PIA Bukidnon)

DA, Bukidnon LGUs craft 5-year rice industry dev’t plan

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – RFO 10 through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado facilitates the crafting of the 2024-2028 Masagana Rice Industry Development Program (MRIDP) plan for the province of Bukidnon

Chona H. Nacalaban, Rice Program focal person of DA-10 explained, “The MRIDP is formulated to address the present challenges in the rice industry and it is set to improve agricultural production in the country to achieve the government target of 97 percent rice self-sufficiency by 2028.”

Following the program’s briefing earlier this August, the DA-10’s Rice Program led the convergence planning workshop of OneDA, comprising ATI, PhilMech, NIA, and PhilRice which seeks to create a rice industry in the region that is thriving, resilient, and sustainable while boosting the productivity of farmers.

The program was designed to prioritize the welfare of Filipino farmers, boost the rice value chain, and improve agricultural production across the Philippines.

The Provincial Agriculture’s Office of Bukidnon together with the 21 local government units (LGUs) prepared their plans focusing on markets, innovations, scale, mainstreaming, and outcome.

The said plan will determine solutions to pressing issues on rice which include farm income, productivity, supply of rice, and competitiveness in the world market.

With the existence of the farm clusters in Bukidnon, the government can easily provide its interventions from inputs (seeds, fertilizers), machinery, and even marketing assistance.

To work on the detailed integrated plans, there is a need for innovative approaches to engage farmers and the private sector.

Citing the existence of the province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Systems (PAFES) in the province will aid in the implementation of the program.

The provinces of Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte will be pilot-tested for the program, being the rice producers in Northern Mindanao. Bukidnon, the region’s top rice-producing province has an annual production of 295.686 metric tons in CY 2022 based on PSA with a sufficiency level of 216.51 percent.

In terms of physical area, Bukidnon has a total area of 40,799 hectares both for irrigated and rainfed areas, or 56.48 percent of Region 10’s total physical area of 75,883 hectares. (DA RFO-10

Statistical exhibit opens PSA’s 10th-anniversary celebration in NorMin

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To continue providing statistical services to the people in the region, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-10 kicked off its 10th anniversary celebration in Northern Mindanao with a statistical exhibit on September 5

With the theme “PSA@10: Providing Quality Service through Digital Transformation,” the celebration aims to foster and celebrate PSA’s achievements over the past decade. It also emphasizes the agency’s enhanced cooperation and partnerships with other government agencies and local government units.

As another year begins for PSA, Janith C. Aves, PSA-10 officer-in-charge, assured the public that PSA’s data dissemination and civil registration functions will be further enhanced with innovative approaches. It includes the integration of the latest technology into data-gathering procedures.

“PSA strives to implement strategies to improve using the latest state-of-the-art technologies to deliver quality output. It proves that PSA also embraces innovations to provide better quality services, not just to deliver its functions but to serve the Philippines by embracing the modern world,” she said.

Cagayan de Oro City Councilor lawyer James Judith said in a message that as society moves toward a data-driven culture, the role of PSA-10 has become increasingly vital to policy-making, similar to that of the National Economic and Development Authority.

As part of the celebration, PSA-10 offers a nine-day civil registration and PhilSys ID application services to complement the statistical exhibit to streamline the processing, reduce the usual processing time at the main office, and accommodate walk-in inquiries for added convenience to mallgoers.

Aves also committed to much-improved and more efficient services and data dissemination forums in the coming years. (DCC/PIA-10)

4ID hold PMA entrance exam in 3 locations

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MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The Armed Forces of the Philippines, in collaboration with the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), is taking steps to bolster the nation’s armed forces by conducting a PMA Entrance Examination on September 9-10, 2023

With 50 examination sites nationwide, the 4th Infantry Division hosted three exam sites within its jurisdiction.

These locations include Montalban Hall in Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City; Lope Asis Memorial Gym in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur; and Surigao del Norte Provincial Convention Center in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte.

PMA Proctor Team Leader for Cagayan de Oro City PMaj Viktor Immanuel Mendoza said candidates who wish to take the exam as walk-in applicants were required to bring a 2×2 ID picture, a valid ID (including a school ID), a birth certificate, and school grades (transcript of records for college and registrar-validated school grades for high school).

“To be able to take the exam, applicants should be at least 17 to 22 years old on the first day of admission in June, have a height not less than 152.4 cm and not more than 193.04 cm, possess a GPA/GWA of 85% or its equivalent, demonstrate good moral character, and be single, never married, and never having borne or sired a child. Further, there is no discrimination against applicants. Even former rebels can apply as long as they possess the qualifications, and taking examination has no limit as long as the applicant is still within the age range specified by the academy,” Mendoza said.

Applicants who pass the entrance exam will undergo medical, physical, and neurological exams at the AFP Medical Center.

Successful applicants will compose the PMA Class 2028 and be formally inducted into the academy during an Oath-Taking Ceremony and Reception Rites on the first day of the admission month.

As of September 6, the proctor team has recorded 771 validated applicants for Cagayan de Oro City, with expectations that the number will increase to one thousand to one thousand five hundred applicants.

PMA reminded the applicants and their family members that both entrance and medical examinations are provided free of charge.

The examination starts with a screening and validation process, beginning at 6:00 in the morning. The simultaneous exam will start at 10:00 in the morning and is expected to end by 2:00 in the afternoon.

The history of PMA dates back to October 25, 1898, when a decree from General Emilio Aguinaldo established the Academia Militar, the First President of the Philippine Republic. This academy initially granted graduates regular commissions in the armed forces. On December 21, 1936, the Philippine Military Academy was formally created through Commonwealth Act No. 1 or the National Defense Act. It granted the Academy the authority to confer a Bachelor of Science Degree upon completing its four-year course. (JAKA/PIA10)

NorMin rice farmers to benefit from DA’s cash assistance

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) is set to distribute around 6,497 cash cards for its sixth batch of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund – Rice Farmers’ Financial Assistance in Northern Mindanao through DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado

Said cash cards were turned over by Northern Mindanao area manager William B. Parantar of the Universal Storefront Services, Corp. to DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and DA-10 Rice program coordinator Chona H. Nacalaban.

Using the cash cards, eligible rice farmers will receive P5K cash assistance under the RCEF-RFFA as stipulated under the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL).

This initiative aims to help cushion the impact among rice farmers, especially on increasing production costs, thereby lowering rice prices. (DA RFO-10)

Exit con for participatory monitoring, tracking of projects conducted in NorMin

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) and the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) conducted an exit conference for the joint Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) and AFCs to monitor and track the progress of DA-funded programs and projects on September 1, 2023, in this city

Said conference aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in implementing various DA-funded agricultural and fisheries projects.

The provincial AFCs of Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon, and Misamis Oriental presented their respective updates.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado emphasized the significance of the participatory approach in promoting inclusivity and empowering local communities.

“The joint effort between PCAF and AFCs has allowed us to gather valuable insights directly from the communities that are benefiting from our programs. Feedback enables us [in the agency] to make informed decisions and adjustments to serve better the needs of our farmers and fisherfolk in Northern Mindanao,” said Director Collado.

During the conference, participants reviewed the outcomes of the Participatory Monitoring Process, which involves engaging local communities and stakeholders in assessing the impact and effectiveness of DA-funded initiatives.

This ensures that the interventions provided align with the needs and priorities of target agri-fishery communities.

The body further agreed that DA must revalidate the projects monitored, particularly those with issues and concerns that must be addressed.

Present during the activity are Cyril L. Soliaban, officer-in-charge, deputy executive director of PCAF, RAFC 10 chair Nilda B. Salas and staff, DA-10 officials and programs staff, and other AFCs across NorMin. (DA RFO-10)

DA-NorMin intensifies joint disease surveillance on Pestalotiopsis leaf fall disease of rubber

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – RFO 10 in coordination with the Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI), Bureau of Plant Industry – Plant Quarantine Service (BPI-PQS) and Crop Pest Management Division (CPMD) and High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) strengthened the surveillance operations to detect the incidence and track the spread of Pestalotiopsis Leaf Fall Disease of rubber in some areas in Bukidnon

The convergence efforts of DA-10 helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado through its HVCDP, the Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC), Regulatory and Field Operations divisions with the Provincial Agriculture Office of Bukidnon involved the local authorities, rubber farmers, and agricultural experts from DA-HVCDP through Engr. Jose Zalde B. Samsom, Jr., CFIDP focal.

PRRI Sr. Science Research Specialist Jill D. Villanueva said that the coordination efforts aim to mitigate the disease, which is fungal and caused by a pathogen called Pestalotiopsis sp.

She stressed the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing plant diseases threatening the region’s rubber production.

Bukidnon is a primary rubber-producing province in Northern Mindanao, contributing to the region’s overall rubber production of 13,378 metric tons with a total area planted of 7,400 hectares.

BPI PQS Cagayan de Oro City OIC Arnold S. Dela Cruz, Jr. highlighted the importance of safeguarding rubber crops and other valuable commodities.

Said rubber disease, if left unchecked, may cause leaf defoliation or falling of leaves and may result in reduced productivity in the worst affected areas.

In response to the growing concerns regarding the protection of rubber plantations in Bukidnon, the Provincial Governor issued an E.O no 26 series of 2023, an order banning the transport outside, sale of seedlings, or planting materials.

During the coordination meeting, the team discussed possible actions to be taken and recommendations to mitigate the said disease. (DA RFO-10)

DA-10 links institutional buyers, F2C2 clusters for potential market

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, through the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Program, conducted a stakeholders meeting on September 7, 2023, in this city

Said meeting aims to link the farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) from the different provinces in Northern Mindanao to potential institutional buyers who need supplies of various produce.

The institutional buyers include the National Food Authority (NFA), Misamis Oriental – Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, San Miguel Foods, Inc., and BestFriend Goodies.

In her message, DA-10 F2C2 focal person Gay Nanette R. Aleria hopes this activity paves the way for future marketing agreements between the FCAs and the institutional buyers.

“We wanted to provide a solution to one of the problems of our FCAs, which is the lack of market for their produce,” said Aleria.

Also joining the said meeting are representatives from the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division-10, who assisted the buyers and FCAs through market matching and roundtable discussions. (DA RFO-10)

Northern Mindanao records 5.77% drop in crime volume

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NORTHERN Mindanao has recorded a decline of 5.77 percent in crime volume from January to July 2023 compared to the same period in 2018, the Police Regional Office (PRO) reported

According to PRO-Northern Mindanao Chief PBGen Lawrence Coop, from January to July 2023, the latest crime data showed that the total crime incidents have dropped to 8,667 compared to 2018’s 9,198 incidents covering the same period.

The region also saw a 3.54 percent decrease in crimes under eight focus crime and 2,420 anti-illegal drug operations conducted, which resulted in 2,696 drug personalities arrested and 1,539 drug cases filed in court.

Likewise, the PRO-Northern Mindanao seized 8,539 grams of shabu and 23,567 grams of marijuana with a total street value of P60,900,007.80.

Of the 1,866 drug-affected barangays in Northern Mindanao, 1,462 were already drug-cleared.

The PRO-Northern Mindanao also arrested 1,321 most wanted persons, one most wanted person with a reward, and 3,574 other perpetrators.

The police regional office also apprehended 1,313 persons for illegal gambling, confiscated P345,000 bet money, and filed 55 cases in court.

“PRO-10 (Northern Mindanao) was scored as highly satisfied by the 7,430 respondents in a study by the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines for the first semester of 2023 regarding trust, respect, and community satisfaction with police service,” Coop said.

“Likewise, PRO-10 received ratings of 91 percent on trust, 92 percent on respect, 89 percent on safety, and 93 percent on satisfaction from 1,200 respondents in a separate study done by the Mindanao Development Authority for the second quarter of 2023,” he added. (Jo Ann Sablad/Sunstar)

Bukidnon’s commitment to NorMin’s Development: A roadmap to progress

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MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – The provincial government of Bukidnon, led by Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque, has strongly affirmed its commitment and support for the Northern Mindanao Regional Development Plan (NMRDP) 2023-2028

It was reiterated during the NMRDP 2023-2028 Roadshow on September 5 at the Kaamulan Folk Arts Theater in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

In his message, Governor Roque emphasized the province’s determination to excel in governance and regional progress.

He urged all agencies to follow the “game plan” outlined in the NMRDP and work together as a united force to achieve the province’s goals and contribute to the broader ambitions of AmBisyon Natin 2040.

“Bukidnon is fully committed to following this game plan because we recognize its immense benefits for our province and the whole region. As an agricultural province, our goal extends beyond merely modernizing agriculture; we aspire to bring about a transformative change for our farmers,” Roque said.

The NMRDP 2023-2028 has identified several priority areas for development in Bukidnon. These include public health, education, the creation of livable communities, ensuring food security and proper nutrition, modernizing agriculture and agri-business, revitalizing industry, promoting trade and investments, improving transportation, enhancing water resources-related facilities, and addressing various social, economic, macro, and infrastructure sectors.

Dreaming big for Northern Mindanao 2040

Regional Director Myla Faye Aurora B. Cariño of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-10 and Vice Chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC-10) articulated the region’s vision for 2040.

She emphasized the goal of establishing Northern Mindanao as a center for inclusive growth, with a primary focus on enhancing major gateways, ensuring agricultural sustainability, and fostering industrial development, all while prioritizing the people’s welfare.

“We want Region 10 to be an international gateway, leading agricultural hub, and major industrial, tourism, and trade center in the Philippines,” Cariño said.

The NMRDP 2023-2028 serves as a roadmap for Northern Mindanao to regain its path to progress and continue reducing poverty and unemployment during the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. (BGE/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

Soldier killed in clash with NPA rebels in Bukidnon

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CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / September 11) — Army troops encountered a band of 20 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on Sunday in Quezon, Bukidnon, triggering a four-hour firefight that resulted in the death of a soldier

Capt. Mark Anthony Tito, the 10th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the soldiers were pursuing the rebels when they caught up with them in Barangay Linabo, some 18 kilometers from Quezon town proper.

“The rebels were trying to link up with those from (NPA Guerilla) Front 57 when the soldiers encountered them. Unfortunately, one soldier died in the encounter,” Tito said.

Citing reports from the Quezon police station, Major Joanne Navarro, Police Regional Office – 10 spokespersons, identified the dead soldier as Private First Class Randy Ganzon, 29, a member of the 39th Infantry Battalion based in Makilala, North Cotabato.

Navarro said the remains of Ganzon were brought to the Villanueva Funeral Homes in Maramag, Bukidnon.

Fort Cabarde of the Quezon public information office said at about noon Monday that they were still waiting for the barangay officials of Linabo to report the incident. (Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)